A SPEED-BUSTING day of action caught 12 motorists flouting the law as part of a new hard-hitting road safety campaign in York.

The safer neighbourhood team for Westfield, Woodthorpe and Dringhouses launched the scheme yesterday, under the banner Operation Adenoid, to take a stand against drivers who recklessly speed through the neighbourhoods.

It involves police community safety officers (PCSCO) stopping motorists who drive too fast on roads identified as being speeding hot-spots – usually those with a 30mph speed limit.

Motorists will initially be given a lecture on the dangers of reckless driving. Police promise drivers who are stopped for a second time will receive a £60 fixed penalty ticket and three points on their licence. Officers say they will be concentrating on the busiest roads across the wards over the next six months as a direct response to concerns raised with police by residents.

Six officers were in Alness Road, Woodthorpe – one of the speeding hotspots which comes under Operation Adenoid’s spotlight – between noon and 4pm yesterday to launch the scheme, using a portable speed matrix sign, borrowed from North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service.

PCSO Richard Dalby said the operation would be one of many to come.

“At the moment, about eight roads across Woodthorpe, Westfield and Dringhouses have been chosen in particular by local residents as a concern for speeding,” he said.

“We started in Alness Road because there have been a few accidents there and it is a concern for residents. While this time it was a warning – next time it won’t be.

“Over the next six months we will be targeting areas with a speed gun and a traffic enforcement officer to hand out tickets, a fine and a licence penalty if anyone is caught speeding.”

Sgt Sarah Bestington said while police were enforcing speed restrictions, the campaign was to better educate the motoring public about the dangers of speeding.

“This initiative is as a result of community consultation and North Yorkshire Police’s objective to create safer roads,” she said.

“The aim is to reduce speeding motorists in the area and make them think of the consequences, not just a fine and points on their licence, but also the possibility of causing serious accidents through speeding.

“The initiative will also create stronger partnerships with the community as we are responding to their concerns.

“While the operation will initially be conducted over a six-month period it will be extended if required as we are committed to creating safer roads for the area.”