LANCASHIRE Police have released a shocking image from a speed camera as they launch a major crackdown on motorists flouting the law.

And they have warned they will use new powers which could see vehicles seized as part of the crackdown aimed at clearing the roads of drunken drivers, speeders, anti-social drivers as well as those without a licence, MOT or tax.

The car was caught by a speed camera travelling on the wrong side of Colne Road, Reedley, by the junction of Roundwood Avenue, which is a 30mph zone.

Police said the driver thought they could evade being snapped by driving on the wrong side of the road.

Sergeant Gareth Hill from the force's traffic police said some young drivers were carrying out such manoeuvres believing the would not be caught.

He added: "Obviously this is an extremely dangerous practice day or night and should be discouraged.

"It is idiotic, it's anti-social, dangerous and above all illegal."

As part of the new campaign, which is being run in Pennine Division, Inspector Martin Hall said officers were gathering intelligence about offenders who would be targeted 24 hours a day.

He added: "Normal, law-abiding motorists have nothing to fear from this campaign. In fact, they have everything to gain, since we'll be removing dangerous drivers from the roads, therefore making them much safer.

"However, those who speed excessively, who drink and drive, ignore road traffic regulations and drive without relevant documentation, tax or insurance should be afraid because their driving days are numbered."

Another problem was boy racers doing handbrake turns in car parks, police said.

As well as prosecuting persistent offenders, police will use new powers under the Road Traffic Act to seize vehicles. Owners will have to pay to get their vehicles back.

Insp Hall added: "These people are committing serious offences and in some cases, posing a serious risk to the safety of road users.

"It is only right and proper that we actively target them and where necessary, take them off roads."