A TOTAL of 156 riders and drivers were prosecuted for speeding last month, including one biker stopped for allegedly doing 144mph on Settle bypass.

The action follows the launch of an anti-speeding campaign, codenamed Operation Toyko, on the district's roads.

Ten of those stopped will be dealt with under a new fast track system because they are accused of travelling at more than 30mph above the speed limit.

Under a trial scheme agreed with the Crown Prosecution Service, they will be summonsed to appear before Skipton magistrates within 21 days of the offence.

A further 20 court files are being prepared, and 126 fixed penalty notices were issued.

Traffic sergeant John Lumbard told the Herald: "I am very pleased with the work my officers have done.

"They have been out daily, and this operation will be ongoing throughout the summer. It should reassure the public that we are doing something about speeding."

He added that in an average month about 40 motorists would be prosecuted for exceeding the speed limit. "That figure has increased more than three-fold," he said.