A EUROPEAN Union decision to ban bull bars from the front of all new cars has been welcomed by a local campaigner.

Chris Davies, the area's MEP and Liberal Democrat transport spokesman in the European Parliament, said the ban would help save lives and reduce injuries.

Mr Davies, who has campaigned on the issue for more than five years, said: "Bull bars are nothing more than a fashion accessory for drivers of oversized vehicles.

"This is excellent news for pedestrians and cyclists in East Lancashire.

"In the vast majority of cases these bull bars serve no purpose whatsoever apart from increasing the risk of cyclists and people crossing the road.

"Children are especially vulnerable, because of their size, and I am delighted that something is being done to protect them."

According to the European Transport Safety Council, more than 9,000 pedestrians and cyclists die every year on European roads, many of whom are either elderly or children hit by the fronts of cars in urban or residential areas.

An agreement to outlaw bull bars was reached by the European Commission and the European car industry in July, which will come into force next year. It will apply to all vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes.