POLICE have condemned the actions of "dangerous and irresponsible" drivers after nearly 60 people were fast-tracked through the legal system as part of a crackdown on speeding.

Among the offenders put before courts within three weeks of being arrested were a car driver caught doing 128mph on the A1, a motorcyclist clocked at 144mph on a bypass and drivers recorded doing 64mph and 71mph in 30mph zones.

The fast-track system was established by North Yorkshire Police, with the aid of the Crown Prosecution Service, as part of the force's Bike Safe initiative.

Drivers and bikers from across the region have already been punished by the courts, but the most shocking case was that of a Lancashire man caught riding his Honda Fireblade at 144mph on the Settle bypass. He was fined £200, plus costs, and banned for three months.

Traffic Sergeant Chris Charlton, who set up the operation, said: "I have been surprised and concerned at the very high speeds recorded over the last month.

"Our subjective impression was that really high speeders were few and far between but it seems from this operation that there many be more dangerous and irresponsible drivers and riders than we thought."