A POLICE crackdown on speeding and unroadworthy motorcyclists on the A65 near Settle has resulted in five riders being stopped from continuing their journey because of defective tyres, illegal registration plates or exhaust systems.

More than 30 bikes were stopped in Sunday's operation, with 20 found to be committing offences from excessive speed to overtaking on solid white lines, said Tony Lidgate, of North Yorkshire Police.

The campaign was launched following complaints from residents and the deaths of 23 riders in North Yorkshire during 2002. Seven motorcyclists have died already this year.

April 22, 2003 10:00