THE organisation behind yellow speed cameras in Lancashire has received an international road safety award.

The Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety has been awarded a Prince Michael Award in recognition of its "outstanding contribution" to road safety.

The award was presented at a ceremony at Preston North End Football Club by Adrian Walsh, director of Government campaign group Roadsafe.

He said: "The Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety has set a national standard to which others should aspire.

"It has shown the world that if road death and injury are to be reduced then it is only through partnership and improved public understanding that this will be achieved.

"This is a fantastic start and the partnership deserves full praise for its outstanding leadership, but the responsibility to achieve the ideal zero target still lies with the community."

The partnership developed a pioneering Speed Awareness Course, which offers an alternative to prosecution and is said to have had an impact on the driving behaviour of of participants, with just 6.9% re-offending.

It was also behind the siting of speed cameras at 74 locations in the county, as well as high-profile checkpoints to aid drink-drive and seatbelt enforcement.

And statistics have revealed nine fewer deaths on Lancashire's roads in 2002 and 248 fewer road injuries.

Linda Sanderson, communications manager for the partnership, said: "Although we have been honoured by this award, we do not intend to rest on our laurels.

"The award has been won through extensive teamwork and co-operation across all the agencies that make up the partnership, including Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire County Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council."