Police clampdown on Bank Holiday speeding in North Yorkshire catches drivers doing up to 131mph

Officers intercepted several drivers hitting speeds of over 100mph - with the highest recorded infringement being 131mph.

The offences were committed on country roads and in residential areas and involved both cars and motorcyclists.

Quieter roads during lockdown have enabled reckless drivers to reach higher speeds.

In anticipation of a rise in Bank Holiday traffic offences, North Yorkshire Police deployed extra officers on key routes such as the A64, A19 and on roads through the Yorkshire Dales National Park that are popular with bikers.

They even found drivers doing 60mph in 30mph zones in residential areas of York.

The clampdown comes as Dales residents complained about large groups of bikers congregating in beauty spots such as Hawes and Aysgarth and flouting lockdown restrictions. Motorcyclists have been warned by police that they are not covered by their insurers to go for non-essential leisure rides under the current regulations.

Some of the offences committed between Friday and Bank Holiday Monday include:-

- 131mph on the A64 in the York area. Speeds of 112mph and 108mph were also recorded.

- More than 50 offences on the B6479 Settle to Ribblehead road recorded in just 90 minutes.

- 121mph on the A19 near Northallerton. Speeds of 103mph were also recorded.

- 57mph in a residential 30mph zone in Settle.

- 96mph in a 60mph zone on the A169.

- 109mph on the Cross Hills bypass, which has a 70mph limit.

The drivers and motorcyclists involved are currently being dealt with by police.

Superintendent Paula Booth said: “While many motorists took our advice on board, sadly the standard of driving and motorcycling by a minority this weekend was appalling.

“On Friday we warned motorists that we were stepping up our response to the horrendous driving and motorcycling we’ve seen, and we dealt with a high number of significant violations this weekend.

“As traffic levels increase with some lockdown restrictions being relaxed, we’re concerned that someone will be killed if driving standards are not brought under control. Residents share our concerns and fear for the safety of people in their communities.

“So we have made the decision to continue this robust approach until the issue of excessive speed and other motoring offences has been addressed and we see safer driving and motorcycling across North Yorkshire.

“We will continue our high-profile roads policing deployments in communities, and on larger roads where speed and other motoring offences are an issue.

“If you use North Yorkshire’s roads, be aware that officers are out in force and will be actively enforcing speeding and other offences. Help us to keep everyone safe - slow down and save lives.”

Forces across England have recorded significant speeding issues as lockdown measures are eased. This coincides with a rise in overall traffic, plus a rise in the number of cyclists and pedestrians.