MOTORCYCLISTS are facing a clampdown amid fears they are driving others away from a favourite visitor spot.

Bikers arriving in the North York Moors town of Helmsley have been accused of trying to dodge parking payments as well as taking up spaces meant for cars.

Now, a local authority is to look at introducing its own parking patrols to ensure the motorcyclists pay their share.

The town has long been a magnet for bikers, at the heart of a series of scenic routes across the moors.

But Councillor Chris Parkin, who represents the town on Ryedale District Council, said there had been growing disquiet that motorbikes were coming to dominate the Market Square at the expense of other visitors.

He said: "The motorcyclists are starting to command a larger presence than local residents felt was appropriate in the square.

"There is a feeling that motorcyclists are coming down and not paying for their parking and also, when the motorcycle bays are full, they park in car spaces."

Now, the council is to monitor how many bikes are using the square and how many are paying before deciding on what action to take, with one option being the introduction of parking inspectors.

Geoff Eborall, Yorkshire representative of the Motorcycle Action Group, admitted not all bikers paid to park, but said the majority of the town was in favour of them.

He said: "Helmsley is extremely popular with the sports bike crowd. There is a minority of people who don't like that, but all the businesses make a huge amount of money from them."