North Yorks targets us

North Yorks cops launch their latest crack-down on speeding bikes on Friday the 13th (of May). And while we’ll always argue about the deliberate focus on bikes, we can’t really complain about the way they are going about this one.

They are setting up portable ‘speed matrix’ boards – the displays which tell you to slow down if you pass them exceeding the speed limit.

Ignore that warning and you’ll find cops equipped with all the usual nasties to snare you, fine you and process you through court in double-quick time. Try going 30mph-plus above the speed limit and you could be in court within days, they claim.

FIND A FULL REGIONAL GUIDE TO COP CLAMPDOWNS ACROSS THE UK ONLY IN THE MAY 11 ISSUE OF MCN

Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership, the Police and the Fire and Rescue Service have combined to launch the operation across Dales roads.

The boards and the enforcement operations will operate every weekend throughout the summer. One board will be frequently be deployed on the A684 and the B6255.

The other will be used on six Western Dales roads that have been identified as having bad accident records, or where residents have complained of “anti-social behaviour” by riders.

Assistant Chief Constable David Collins, said: “Motorcycle casualty reduction is one of our top targets, and this two-stage approach adds yet another weapon to our armoury, one which fits neatly into our forcewide strategy of mixing advice and education with firm enforcement.

Mr Collins has previously cited loud exhausts as a key focus of his campaign – perhaps at odds with his ‘safety’ message.