By Roddy AshworthPOLICE have “finally lost patience” with reckless motorcyclists and announced a crackdown on speeding bikers.Twelve motorcyclists have died so far this year on the roads of Essex and traffic police have vowed to get tough with riders caught speeding.

By Roddy Ashworth

POLICE have “finally lost patience” with reckless motorcyclists and announced a crackdown on speeding bikers.

Twelve motorcyclists have died so far this year on the roads of Essex and traffic police have vowed to get tough with riders caught speeding.

Essex Police announced they would be using more unmarked patrols and covert mobile speed cameras across the county as part of the three-month clampdown.

Inspector Martin Mueller, of Essex Police, said: “We've had to resort to this high-level of enforcement in an effort to stop the needless deaths that are ruining family's lives.

“This is not about persecuting motorcyclists. We want them to enjoy the county's roads, especially with the fine weather we're having at the moment.

“However, we will not tolerate those who think our roads are their speed tracks - it's just not on.”

The force used to have 30 police motorbikes that patrolled Essex, but they were axed in 1999 as part of a £7million cuts package.

But three years ago calls were made for the police motorbikes to be reinstated amid fears the force was ill-equipped to deal with machines that could travel at speeds in excess of 200mph.

Under the new crackdown, some riders who are stopped for careless riding will be given the option of either going to court or being enrolled on a rider improvement scheme run that aims to improve motorcyclists' riding.

The three-month campaign of high-visibility and covert patrols and speed cameras began this week, with notorious accident hot-spots and roads known for speeding targeted.

Chief Superintendent Ian Brown, head of Essex Police's mobile support division, said: “There continues to be a small minority of reckless motorcyclists in Essex who are creating a misery for other road users.

“This heightened period of enforcement is targeting the section of the motorcycling community who choose not to heed our advice.

“There are a large number who do listen to us and who do ride sensibly. Furthermore, we realise there have been motorcyclists killed and injured where they have been blameless.

“I'm sure there will be support from many motorcyclists for our campaign against the irresponsible minority.”

roddy.ashworth@eadt.co.uk