POLICE are launching their toughest-ever crackdown on rogue motorcyclists in a bid to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on some of the region's most picturesque roads.

Bikers who use roads like racetracks will be targeted in a series of no-nonsense enforcement measures across North Yorkshire.

Last year, one-in-three road deaths in the county was a rider or pillion passenger - despite an acclaimed Bike Safe initiative, which has since been copied nationwide.

Police have now decided enough is enough and, rather than using education and persuasion, they are planning a strict enforcement regime.

There will also be high-profile patrols with officers instructed to deal severely with complaints of anti-social rider behaviour.

A series of action days are planned, with officers emphasising the county's appalling road safety record.

Efforts will be made to fast-track the worst speed offenders through the courts and officers say they will use new confiscation powers to get bikes off the roads.

"The most serious offenders could lose their licences within weeks," said Superintendent Martin Deacon, head of road policing.

"Quite simply, one burst of high-speed madness could cost a rider the use of his machine for the entire leisure-riding season - not to mention a stiff fine."

Assistant Chief Constable David Collins said: "Residents and visitors alike are suffering damage to the quality of their lives because of a minority of riders and, worst of all, unacceptable numbers of riders are being killed and seriously injured. This cannot continue."

The summer-long strategy has the full support of the county's highways and road safety officers, who will be working alongside police throughout the campaign.

Last year, 28 motorcyclists died in North Yorkshire and 180 were seriously injured, yet motorcycles account for only two per cent of the county's traffic.

North Yorkshire also has a proportionately higher death rate because the twisty, swooping roads of the Dales and moors attract large numbers of leisure riders.

Supt Deacon said: "We want riders to come to North Yorkshire and enjoy our marvellous motorcycling roads. But we expect them to ride safely, within the law.

"Those who choose to ignore this message can expect to be dealt with severely, and in appropriate cases we will ask that the courts impose driving disqualifications."