Racing drivers prompt safety concerns on by-pass

The road has been the scene of several serious accidents

Cars racing along a major road in Lancashire are prompting concerns from residents and local politicians.

The racing on the Rainford Road by-pass in Bickerstaff is happening mostly on Sunday nights during quieter hours, councillor Adrian Owens said.

The road, which straddles Lancashire and Merseyside, has a 60mph (96.5 km/h) limit and has been the scene of several serious accidents in the past.

Lancashire Constabulary has urged witnesses to report any sightings of speeding on the road.

Councillor Adrian Owens is concerned there could be serious consequences

Owens said: "It's a relatively straight road, there are roundabouts so they have sections, they can time themselves, have races along those sections and that's what they've been doing."

The councillor said residents had raised concerns about the issue and appealed for any drivers who want to race to do so safely at a dedicated track.

"Go to Oulton Park, go to one of the racetracks that we've got in the North West and do it safely and professionally on a proper racetrack," he said.

Lancashire Constabulary said: "We always take reports of speeding and anti-social driving seriously and will carry out speed checks and have patrols in areas where concerns are raised."