High-speed motorcycle riders could be fast-tracked through the courts, North Yorkshire police and two other forces warned today.

Officers announced the new hard line as their latest effort to slow down riders and cut the annual carnage on the county's roads.

"Racing is for racetracks," said Traffic Sergeant Chris Charlton.

"We want people to enjoy our county and its roads, but if you think you can ride like a fool across our moors and dales, you will find the traffic officers of three forces waiting to give you a frosty welcome."

North Yorkshire police is currently exploring the option of speeding up the process by which dangerous bikers are dealt with by the courts.

If convicted, riders could lose their licence and be off the road within days of their offence.

Sgt Charlton said: "For four years police forces across the region have been following the Bike Safe model and have worked hard to educate sports bike riders, offering them training, workshops and assessed rides.

"This has had a good effect on the figures for serious bike accidents in this county, but we feel that now is the time to bring in a strong enforcement element."

Sgt Charlton said the latest Bike Safe operation had two aims; to save riders' lives and to stop riders spoiling other people's environment.

He said residents of moors towns were complaining that their lives were being disrupted by riders revving their engines and parking inconsiderately.

And sports bike riders were often to blame.

North Yorkshire officers are teaming up with colleagues from Humberside and Cleveland for joint operations. "There are no boundaries when it comes to saving lives," said Sgt Charlton.

The campaign, in which officers will use speed check equipment and marked and unmarked vehicles, will concentrate on the notorious B1257 between Helmsley and Stokesley and the A170 between Thirsk and Helmsley.

Analysis has shown that excessive speed is the primary cause of crashes on these roads, and a disproportionate number of sports motorbikes are involved.

Fifteen bikers died on the county's roads last year and 134 were seriously injured.

More than 100 have been killed and more than 1,000 injured in the last seven years.

Speaking directly to bikers, Sgt Charlton said: "We don't want you to come to harm and we don't want you to harm the quality of other people's lives and we will do whatever it takes to prevent either eventuality."

Updated: 08:58 Monday, April 02, 2001