TRANSPORT chiefs in Lancashire are calling for a national safety standard for potentially dangerous bull bars.

The bars, fitted to the front of cars, can cause serious injuries to pedestrians and cyclists.

But some car makers have started making the bars out of softer materials because of growing public concern.

County Council chiefs called for the safety standard after being asked for their views by the Government.

Highways and transport chairman Richard Toon said: "The 'macho' image of bull bars is inappropriate for Lancashire's roads where they serve no practical purpose.

"Bull bars raise road safety issues, particularly for vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians."

He added: "We must recognise work has been done to address this by the manufacturers.

"Setting a national standard would enable dangerous fitments to be spotted and dealt with quickly and would encourage manufacturers to work to recognised standards."

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