A "NO MERCY" crackdown on speeding bikers in North Yorkshire is being rolled out across the North-East after a dramatic fall in the number of riders killed and seriously injured.

The joint operation by North Yorkshire Police and the county's road safety team has seen the number of motorcycling deaths fall from 28 in 2003 to 17 last year.

Officers have been carrying out high profile patrols and targeting popular motorcycle routes through the county.

Offenders are also being fast-tracked through the courts. Last year, 372 drivers and 48 riders appeared, with 91 losing their licences for periods of up to six months.

Now, the campaign, known as Operation Halter, has won the support of Cleveland and Durham Police. The forces will be organising patrols to enforce speed restrictions and target dangerous riders in a series of simultaneous action days.

Forces in South and West Yorkshire and Humberside are also taking part.

North Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable David Collins said: "I am delighted that we are receiving this support from our colleagues in neighbouring forces, as deaths on the road are not just an issue for North Yorkshire Police, but for every police force in the country.

"We will continue with our policy of fast-tracking extreme speeders to court so that anyone exceeding the speed limit by more than 30mph can expect a large fine and disqualification within a few short weeks.

"Sensible, law-abiding riders are welcome to enjoy our county and our roads. People who are willing to risk their lives and the lives of others by rank stupidity and risk-taking are not.

"And for the record, these principles apply just the same to car drivers and other road users."

David Lindsay, North Yorkshire County Council's road safety officer, said: "Many of the riders who are killed and injured on North Yorkshire's roads are in fact from our neighbouring counties.

"To take the road safety message directly into their own back yards has got to be an effective way of bringing it home to them."