POLICE from four forces will unite for a massive operation at this weekend's British Superbike meeting at the Croft race circuit.

They plan to saturate routes to the circuit with marked and unmarked cars, as well as carrying out patrols and roadside speed checks.

Automatic number plate recognition units will also be deployed, and the fire and rescue service will use their matrix boards that flash up the speed of passing vehicles.

Officers will be in place further down the road to deal with offenders.

A large police operation at last year's event led to only one rider suffering a serious injury, even though 25,000 motorcyclists visited the circuit, near Darlington.

This year, North Yorkshire Police officers will be joined by colleagues from Durham, Cleveland and Cumbria. Officers from other forces will also help at a "bike safety village" at Croft, offering race fans expert advice, tips and advanced riding guidance.

North Yorkshire Assistant Chief Constable David Collins said: "Last year was great for both police and visitors.

"Our aim is to match that achievement."

He said force boundaries would become irrelevant as officers from across the region worked together.

"A very high proportion of the riders who die on our roads come from the surrounding counties. Our fellow officers from those counties have all the motivation you could need to join together in driving down this dreadful toll," he said.

The extra activity will be backed in North Yorkshire with the force's fast-track policy, which can cost extreme speeders their licences within days of being caught.

The hard-line policy is thought to be behind a large drop in motorcycle casualties last year.

Mr Collins said: "We had criticism from some who felt we were picking on motorcyclists, but by the end of the year, no one could argue with a halving of rider casualties. The tough line works.

"Last year's Croft operation showed that we can very successfully mix tough enforcement with friendly advice.

"Law-abiding racegoers appreciated the friendly, helpful approach of our officers, and especially their professional skill in easing huge numbers of spectators in and out of the circuit.

"We intend to build on this good relationship with strong support for the positive work being done actually at the track."

However, he warned the Croft operation would not mean they were neglecting the rest of the region.

He said: "We do not welcome fools who think racetrack speeds are for the roads.

"We do not welcome show-offs who spoil other people's enjoyment of the county."

* Roads across the area were severely congested last year.

This year, drivers can expect severe congestion on the A66(M), together with the A66 (from the A66(M) to Neasham Road Roundabout), and the A167 from Blands Corner roundabout through Croft to West Lane between 7am and noon and 4pm to 7pm on Sunday.