THE growing number of motorcyclists killed or injured on North Yorkshire's roads so far this year has prompted calls for new deterrents.

Traffic police already run the nationally-renowned Bike Safe scheme, pioneered in the county and now accepted as best practice around the UK.

It combines law enforcement with road safety education, encouraging motorcyclists to take a responsible attitude towards the raw power and speed of modern machines.

Officers claim a level of success is evident in reports of bikers riding within speed limits and showing courtesy and consideration for other road users.

Nevertheless, members of North Yorkshire County Council's Richmondshire area committee agreed last week that a hard core remain who use the roads as racetracks, putting both their own lives and those of others at risk.

Coun Oliver Blease said: "There are web sites on the Internet which advertise routes to be ridden as fast as possible.

"I know there are some who are responsible but, let's face it, others are not and people are asking what can be done to ensure speed limits are enforced."

Ideas suggested at last Monday's meeting ranged from more hi-tech solutions, such as expanding the CCTV network, to simpler measures such as signs highlighting the number of motorcyclists who have been prosecuted for speeding on notorious stretches of roads