THE latest tactic to combat speeding motorcyclists using the Yorkshire Dales as a racetrack has been announced.

Two portable speed matrix boards will be used on roads leading into the Dales to warn bikers they are going too fast.

Police say riders who fail to heed the warning will then come across officers with speed guns, farther up the road, who will issue fixed penalty notices.

The boards and speed guns will be used in Richmondshire every weekend during the summer.

Assistant Chief Constable David Collins said: "This two-stage approach adds yet another weapon to our armoury, one which fits neatly into our force-wide strategy of mixing advice and education with firm enforcement.

"Sensible riders and drivers who get a slow-down message will do just that, and go on to enjoy their journey into the Dales.

"Those who ignore the warning, will come across a very determined group of police officers who take extremely seriously their mission to cut the toll of death and injury on our roads."

Five motorcyclists have died on North Yorkshire's road so far this year.

The matrix boards were bought by Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership, the police and the fire and rescue service.

They will be operated by a fire officer and a police special constable.

One board will be regularly be used on the A684 and the B6255, both roads with poor motorcycle accident records.

The other will be used on six western Dales roads with bad accident records.