Speeding patrols in rural areas of the Ribble Valley issued six tickets to drivers exceeding the 30mph limit, with motorists urged to drive safely in the 'hotspot' areas.

Speed enforcement patrols in rural areas of the Ribble Valley caught one driver clocking up 46mph in a 30 zone.

The culprit was just one of six drivers issued with tickets for exceeding the 30mph limit during the spot checks carried out in Simonstone and Chatburn following reports from residents concerned about speeding cars.

The Rural Task force went on patrol after the ‘hotspot’ areas, including Wilpshire, were identified by the community.

Speeding through rural villages and narrow lanes poses acute risks to pedestrians, children walking to school, cyclists, horse riders, and agricultural workers.

Rural roads are statistically the most dangerous in the UK. Data from the Department for Transport shows that rural roads account for the majority of all road deaths—making up roughly 60% of UK traffic fatalities despite carrying less than half of the total traffic. Motorists are up to six times more likely to be killed or seriously injured on a rural road than on a motorway

A spokesman for the Rural Task Force said: “ The feedback received from local residents during these checks was overwhelmingly positive and appreciative of our presence. We will continue to respond to concerns raised by the communities we serve and appeal for motorists to drive safely

“ As one local resident said: "Please drive through here as if your children live here."