POLICE are about to launch a crackdown on speeding motorists to protect children as they prepare to return to school.

The operation has been planned by North Yorkshire Police on school routes across its western area.

Road Policing Group (RPG) officers will carry out speed checks and monitor driving on roads around schools in the Richmondshire, Harrogate and Craven areas.

The crackdown will last for an unspecified period.

Police officers wearing high-visibility uniforms will also be on hand to provide advice and reassurance to those youngsters who walk or cycle to and from their schools.

RPG Sergeant John Lumbard said: "Very shortly, there will be hundreds of children walking to and from school, and there will also be hundreds of more vehicles around as parents take their children to school.

"It can be a dangerous mix, especially as this will be a new experience for many of the children and parents.

"Statistics show that schoolchildren are one of the most vulnerable pedestrian groups.

"By their very nature, children are easily distracted and may not always pay proper attention to oncoming traffic when they cross the road."

Sgt Lumbard said it was fundamental to the well-being of communities to ensure that the safety of children was paramount.

He added: "Motorists are asked to think about their parking near schools, and when driving we want them to think very carefully about their speed.

"The question they need to ask themselves is a simple one: 'Can I stop safely if a child steps out in front of me right now?'

"The last thing any of us want is the school year to begin with the death or injury of a child."

Sgt Lumbard pledged that, because of the importance of the issue, he and his fellow officers in the group planned to take "firm and decisive" action against any motorist who was caught breaking the speed limit.