North Yorkshire Police have issued a warning to drivers who will be travelling on the roads of the region this Bank Holiday weekend. 

The police force is urging motorbike riders and car/van drivers to “be safe” when using the counties' road network over the next four days.

North Yorkshire is home to two national parks and 6,000 miles of road - but officers from North Yorkshire Police have now advised drivers that a potential influx of cars and motorbikes on the road network also leads to more collisions.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Police vehicles that will be out on the roads of the region this weekendPolice vehicles that will be out on the roads of the region this weekend (Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE)

During the Bank Holiday weekend, police officers and police volunteers will be making stops at popular meeting spots to engage with riders about how best to stay safe.

The team will discuss various topics including ride preparation and why it’s important to leave plenty of space when passing vulnerable road users. 

Darlington and Stockton Times: An unmarked police bike that will be used on the roads of North YorkshireAn unmarked police bike that will be used on the roads of North Yorkshire (Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE)

It’s hoped that the combination of raising awareness of the campaign, the high levels of engagement and the increased patrols will help reduce the number of incidents this weekend.

While the police force has issued advice, it also said that it will use enforcement if necessary, and will have an unmarked H2 Kawasaki road bike in use.

Darlington and Stockton Times: A North Yorkshire Police carA North Yorkshire Police car (Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE)

Fitted with blue lights, a siren and a 4K camera, the police bike will used for both engagement and enforcement, alongside numerous other marked and unmarked vehicles across the region.

Roads Policing Inspector Clive Turner said: “One collision is one too many and again we will be out in force to do everything that we can to make sure that motorists in North Yorkshire get home safely this weekend.

“ If you are utilising the road network then please take time to check that the vehicle that you will be using is in adequate condition and is road legal. Please be considerate to both other road users and pedestrians and do not take any unnecessary risks.

“Although engagement and education are our priorities, we will use enforcement and prosecute those who won’t abide by the law if appropriate.”