A DRIVER was caught racing at an astonishing 68mph on a 20mph road during a police operation.

Neighbourhood policing officers spotted the driver, driving three times the speed limit, on Royds Avenue in Baxenden yesterday.

The motorist, who will be prosecuted, was one of 30 vehicles found to have been breaking the speed limit

Officers monitored 200 vehicles between 2pm and 4pm after reports of motorists travelling at excessive speeds around schools start and finishing times.

Hyndburn Police, who posted the warning on Facebook, said: "Hyndburn neighbourhood policing team have been on Royds Avenue, Baxenden today with the Community Road Watch Team following reports of vehicles travelling at excessive speeds around schools start and finishing times.

"Today we have monitored 200 vehicles between 2pm and 4pm with 30 of those breaking the speed limit. These will received a letter in the first instance.

"One vehicle registered 68mph and will be prosecuted. We will be back again in the area very soon."