LAW-breaking motorists are being targeted in a zero-tolerance crackdown and are warned there will be no excuses.

Police in Blackburn are on the lookout for drivers who speed, do not wear seatbelts, carry too many passengers and park illegally over the next three weeks.

They will target areas where these offences are rife - Infirmary, Buncer Lane, Whalley Range, Audley Range, New Bank Road and Accrington Road.

Beat bobbies and officers from the support unit will set up checkpoints and use number plate reading technology to issue fixed penalty fines and points on licences, depending on the offence. PC Stuart Roberts, community beat manager for Whalley Range who came up with the idea, said: "We have tried to tackle these problems relatively informally by stopping motorists and giving them appropriate advice.

"That approach just hasn't worked and there is no alternative but to adopt this 'zero tolerance' approach to those who don't abide by the law.

"There are no excuses. If you break the law you are putting yourself at risk as well as other road users.

"This crackdown isn't just about prosecuting people - it is about making the roads safer for all those who use them."

It is hoped the clampdown will re-educate motorists about road safety and make them less likely to break the law in the future.