BURNLEY MP Peter Pike is to attend a driving awareness course after he was caught speeding.

The MP was snapped by a speed camera driving his Vauxhall Omega at 36mph in a 30mph zone in Todmorden Road, Burnley last month.

Mr Pike was offered a place on the Lancashire Road Safety Group's pioneering course as an alternative to paying a fine.

And today the MP said he hoped going on the course would help tackle the problem of speeding drivers.

He said: "I think most motorists who say they do not break the speed limit on occasion are not being entirely truthful and it is very hard in modern cars and on modern roads to keep to 30mph, which I found out.

"I'm well aware of the speed element in causing severe accidents, particularly in children and elderly people and I'm hoping the course will teach me how I managed to go over the limit.

"I'm quite happy to put myself in the limelight if it helps raise awareness of the course and the work that is being done to address speeding."

A new policy commissioned by Lancashire police Chief Constable Paul Stephenson in June this year means that drivers will be cautioned if travelling at 35mph in a 30mph zone, offered the driver training course at 36mph and 37mph and given a fixed penalty caught at 38mph or above.

Mr Pike said: "I was aware of the Speed Awareness Course as an alternative to a fixed penalty and I think it is a good idea.

"I'm looking forward to the day, although I am a little apprehensive as it is a long time since I had my driving skills scrutinized."

The MP, who lists transport as one of his interests, will be one of over 27,000 drivers to improve their driving skills since the course began in November 2001.

His day, on December 10, will consist of classroom-based activities and in-car training.

Neil Cunliffe, Road Safety Group Manager, said: "Last year there were 74 fatal, 802 serious and 5,172 slight injuries on the county's roads.

"The probability of being involved in a collision rises significantly with small increases in speed. Initiatives such as the Speed Awareness Course is helping to make people more aware of the dangers of excess speed and its effects.

"Many clients on our Speed Awareness Course have given us positive feedback on their experience."