A campaign to reduce the number of motorcycle casualties on the county's roads has been launched.

The six-week initiative, which aims to get drivers and motorcyclists to anticipate the actions of each other on the road, comes just a week after 17-year-old apprentice electrician Jonathan Hart died when his 50cc Aprilla scooter collided with a Toyota pickup in Church Road, Leyland.

The campaign will feature on television and radio advertisements and posters in a bid to reduce motorcycle deaths and injuries.

Jonathan, a Blackburn College student, was travelling from his home in the Southport Road area of Chorley on Wednesday, January, 18, to his job at DTJ Electrical, Windermere Avenue, Leyland when the accident happened.

Dozens of floral tributes have been left at the junction of Canberra Road and Church Road for the former pupil of Parklands High School, Chorley.

In 2004, 145 people were killed or seriously injured on the county's roads. Motorcyclists represent less than one per cent of road traffic in Britain, but account for 17 per cent of deaths or serious injuries.

Neil Cunliffe, group manager of Lancashire road safety group, said: "We want all motorists to take responsibility for their own safety and other road users' safety.

"Drivers and motorcyclistss need to anticipate each other's actions on the road. By checking mirrors appropriately and being more aware of other road users, both groups can help to bring down the alarmingly high number of motorcycle casualties on the roads."

Speed enforcement will be carried out in Church Road over the next week by Worden community beat manager PC Brian Spencer. Anyone concerned with road safety should call 01772 415855.

The inquest into Jonathan's death opened on Tuesday, January 24, and was adjourned.

A 19-year-old man has been released on police bail after being arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving..

Jonathan's funeral will be held on Friday at St Mary's Parish Church, Town Gate, Eccleston at 3pm.