Speeding 'rife on M65 because of a lack of police'

The M65 has seen several serious crashes during the last year

Speeding is "rife" on Lancashire's motorways because there are not enough police patrols to deter them, a retired traffic officer said.

Paul Brooks, from Bamber Bridge near Preston, claimed financial pressures were responsible.

He told councillors the use of Highways Agency officers instead was "policing on the cheap" because they did not have sufficient powers.

The BBC has approached Lancashire Police for a response.

'Errant drivers'

Mr Brooks was speaking at a full meeting of Pendle Council, where there were calls for an urgent safety review of the M65, including the return of lighting.

"I was a police officer for over 30 years and on traffic, as it was called then, for 28 years," he said.

"I patrolled the motorways in Lancashire for 15 years as part of a strong motorway-dedicated group of officers.

"Lancashire Constabulary [has] lost many officers through financial restraints and the dedicated motorway police group was disbanded.

"How many [officers] do you see on the motorway, patrolling it in Lancashire? If you do, you are very lucky. "