LANCASHIRE drivers have been named as the ninth-worst in the country for committing motoring offences.

Insurance company CIS is calling for drivers to be more responsible behind the wheel after Home Office statistics for motoring offences committed in 2000 reveal 161,257 offences across the Lancashire Constabulary area.

Neighbouring Greater Manchester came in second with 288,678.

Heading the top ten worst police force areas for motoring offences was the Metropolitan Police area with 423,266.

CIS general marketing manager Martin Clarke said: "If a more responsible approach to driving was taken, our roads would be a much safer and cheaper place to be."