FORTY off-duty North Yorkshire Police officers have been caught speeding in the last five years.

Ten officers were caught breaking the speed limit last year, including cases of 85mph in a 60mph zone, 85mph on a 70mph road, and 68mph in a 60mph zone.

The figures which were released under a Freedom Of Information request, showed the number of officers caught had reduced from 2013, when 15 North Yorkshire Police members were observed travelling at speeds of up to 72mph in a 60mph area.

In all cases, officers were given fixed penalty notices or sent on a speed awareness course, but one off-duty officer, who was clocked speeding at 101mph on a 70mph road, was summonsed to court.

Temporary Superintendent Maria Taylor, head of professional standards, said: “Police officers who are caught speeding have to adhere to disciplinary procedures that begin with reporting the offence to our Professional Standards Department.

“The outcome of each case will depend on the circumstances, severity of the offence and the frequency of offending. Failure to report the offence could also result in a disciplinary investigation.”

In 2010, six officers were caught; the speeds of three were unknown (officers reporting the offence may not have provided details of their actual speed). Each received fixed penalties. An officer driving at 90mph in a 70mph zone received a fixed penalty, while officers speeding at 56mph and 60mph in 50mph areas went on speed awareness courses.

In 2011, five officers were caught speeding. One received a fixed penalty, and four went on a speed awareness course for speeds including 81mph in a 70mph zone, 36mph and 35mph in a 30mph zone.

In 2012, two were sent on speed awareness courses for travelling 10mph over the speed limits in 30mph and 70mph zones; another received a fixed penalty for travelling at 48mph in a 40mph zone, and one was summonsed to court for travelling 101mph in a 70mph.

In 2013, 15 were observed travelling at speeds of up to 72mph in a 60mph area, with nine fixed penalties issued, one court summons and five speed awareness courses.

Last year, ten officers were caught at speeds of up to 85mph in a 60mph zone, with three fixed penalties and five speed awareness courses. The remainder were unknown by police.