A ROAD safety campaign targeted at young Asians celebrating Eid has been launched by Lancashire police.

Highways officers have warned young drivers from the Asian community not to take risks during the annual celebrations.

The second Eid festival of the year got under way today and police are worried about dangerous driving on the streets of East Lancashire.

Historically, the problem has been centred on Blackburn and a similar campaign was launched last year.

According to official statistics, there were 78 fatal accidents and 1,405 serious injuries on the Lancashire roads last year.

A special Eid card is being published by the police and copies in Urdu and other languages are being handed out in ethnic communities.

Chief Inspector Ian Bell, head of Lancashire's road safety department, said: "We have a proven problem in East Lancashire where Eid celebrations are concentrated.

"While we don't want to spoil anyone's celebrations we want people to understand why we have become so concerned about the irresponsible actions of a minority.

"And I hope they'll take our safer driving message on board."

The campaign has won the backing of BBC Radio 4 presenter Tazeen Ahmad and Al Yusuf, from the force's business development office.

Al Yusuf said: "Businesses are delighted to be involved in ventures like this which are seen to give something back to the community they serve."

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