IT'S always the first big getaway of the year, but with forecasters predicting the best Easter weather for 20 years, this weekend's rush on the roads is set to be extra hectic.

And aiming to make journeys as safe as possible as tens of thousands of families make the most of the sun and head by car for the coast and countryside, Lancashire Police are out to crack down on speeders.

They are warning motorists that they will be stationing officers at no fewer than 70 mobile speed camera locations across the county. And this full-level surveillance will be on top of the 179 permanent cameras in Lancashire that will be operational as usual.

But although many drivers resent the extent of the county's drive against speeding, the proliferation of roadside cameras and soaring fines proceeds - up six-fold last year to £7.6million from tickets issued to 128,000 drivers - there is no doubt that reduced death and injury on the roads is also the pay-back.

It's worth remembering that this weekend, when the roads are extra crowded and the dangers from speeding and selfish behaviour at the wheel are automatically increased.

Take it easy - it may be not just your cash that you are saving if you stick to the speed limit, but someone's life. Perhaps even your own.