AN intensive crackdown on rogue motorcyclists in North Yorkshire is to be stepped up a gear.

Tough measures by police and road safety officers have already resulted in a dramatic drop in motorbike casualties.

Last year, rider and pillion passenger deaths were down to 17 from 28 the previous year and the number of serious injuries was also down.

But officials want to see the figure fall further and insist there will be no let-up in the campaign, which will be intensified.

Assistant Chief Constable David Collins said: "We have cut motorcyclist fatalities spectacularly - now we want to do better. No one can argue with the effectiveness of firm, decisive action, and that is going to be the way forward."

The force has extended its fast-tracking arrangement with the county's courts so 'extreme speeders' who exceed the limit by more than 30mph could lose their licences within days of being caught.

There will also be extra high-profile patrols, special action days and a co-ordinated safety and enforcement campaign.

The campaign will also feature a growing array of high-tech equipment, from a range of speed measurement devices to automatic number plate recognition systems, which automatically read the number plates of passing vehicles.

The county council's road safety chief David Lindsay said: "Last year's results were very encouraging, but riders are mistaken if they think we will become complacent in 2005.

"We are keen to reduce the number of fatalities even further and by working in partnership with North Yorkshire Police, we will continue to target all irresponsible drivers, not just bikers."

Last year 372 drivers and 48 riders were fast-tracked and 91 lost their licences, for periods of up to six months.

Mr Collins said: "We are talking primarily about motorcyclists, but car drivers should take note of those figures too. Our hard line extends to four-wheel fools as well."

Mr Lindsay added: "We welcome motorcyclists who want to enjoy the wonderful roads of North Yorkshire, but they must do this within the law, or face the consequences."

Mr Lindsay said every motorcyclist killed on roads in the county costs an estimated £1.5m, including the investigation, emergency services, health, hospital and other insurance-related costs