POLICE are to ease back on the throttle when it comes to prosecuting speeding motorists.

The policy switch follows criticism of Lancashire's 300 roadside cameras - and means drivers may now get away with slightly higher speeds.

Police say people caught driving at only slightly over the limit will be cautioned or sent on speed awareness courses. But motorists who are well over the speed limit will still be liable to a fine and three points on their licence.

Chief Constable Paul Stephenson says: "People are anxious we continue to target motorists who are a danger to road safety but at the same time we recognise a need to look again at the way we deal with lower level offenders."

He says that drivers caught speeding in a 30 mph area will be cautioned at 35 mph, offered a speed awareness course at 36 and 37 and given a fixed penalty at 38mph.

In a 40 mph zone drivers will be cautioned at 46 and 47 and offered speed awareness at 48 and 49. Anything above that will result in a fixed penalty.

Drivers will be allowed one caution in a three-year period for their first speeding offence.

But the force says the new policy is not a 'green light' for people to drive more quickly in the county. And it will not reconsider any penalties or driving licence endorsements already imposed.