EAST Lancashire could be set for more speed cameras - but the only people likely to be caught breaking the limit would struggle to reach the pedals.

For instead of monitoring the county's roads the Safety Cam-Car is actually the latest children's attraction, which supermarkets and shopping centres across the area are queuing up to buy.

But a motoring group today warned the makers against claiming the toy would help to enforce a road safety message.

Kevin Delaney, a spokesman for the RAC Foundation, said: "It is obviously intended as a bit of fun and as a bit of fun we don't have a problem with it.

"But if the company is claiming there is a serious message behind it then that is ridiculous.

"At their age we should be teaching children how to cross the road safely because they are not in any position to take on board a speeding message."

Based on the simple message of 'Catch Them Young' the new ride is taking over from typical supermarket rides like Noddy and Postman Pat.

For £1 youngsters can enjoy a minute's driving and even get their own 'caught speeding' picture from the camera - an amalgamation of the Gatso and Truvelo cameras.

Ashley Heron, managing director of Fun2Learn, the Derby-based firm behind the ride, said: "We have been in business for 10 years and this is the best thing we have ever made.

"They have been making crazy money.

"The idea was a bit tongue-in-cheek but there is a serious message behind them.

"We are teaching children to respect speed cameras and teaching them the importance of driving safely.

"I was banned from driving for a while many years ago for speeding so I guess I have learned my lesson."

Fun2Learn said they are in negotiations with major supermarkets and that the rides would no doubt be appearing in shopping centres throughout East Lancashire.

Lisa Sanderson of the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety, said: "I hope the Safety Cam-Car catches on in the North West.

"Although it is the children who ride them there is a serious message being conveyed to parents and carers.

"Cameras have been introduced to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on our roads.

"If this message is conveyed through the use of the children's ride we will not only be instilling a safety message into the child but parents will be able to see the possible consequences of speeding."

Mark MacArthur-Christie of the Association of British Drivers, said: "It does indeed get kids ready for later life, when they are more than likely to get flashed by a speed camera."