NORTH-EAST commuters will soon be beating traffic jams by roaring to work on the backs of high-powered motorbikes.

A Yorkshire company is planning to introduce the region's first two-wheeled taxi service in the coming year. Chauffeurbikes believes its service is the perfect answer to rush hour congestion.

Managing director Colin Dale predicted it would be popular with businessmen and women who have to keep to a tight schedule.

"We believe there's a demand for a service which would save clients time by allowing them to cut through dense traffic," he said.

"Going by motorbike is also fun."

The Leeds company has spent months campaigning to have councils amend regulations on private-hire vehicles to include bikes.

It has assembled a fleet of Honda STX1300 Pan European motorbikes and the service is due to go ahead in the New Year.

The first chauffeured bike service will begin in Newcastle and could be extended to other towns.

Each STX 1300 costs £10,000 and features luxurious seating, anti-locking brakes and an electrically adjustable wind shield.

Motorbike taxis have already taken off in London where a similar scheme has been a big hit.

All chauffeur riders are trained to standards laid down by the Institute of Advanced Motoring.

They carry helmets and full waterproofs for passengers, who can talk to their chauffeur via an intercom.

Honda Pan Europeans can also take a full load of luggage.

Chauffeurbikes says the fares will be similar to a four-wheeled taxi.