A JOINT operation is running this weekend to combat problems caused by motorcyclists in Bidford-on Avon and Salford Priors.

Run by the Safer Roads Partnership, Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police, specialist units involving motorcycle police, speed enforcement officers and the Operational Patrol Unit (OPU) team will be involved in the initiative tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday.

The operation, which also involves Alcester, will continue over the spring and summer months around other operational commitments.

The aim is to provide a highly visible deterrent to speeding motorists and motorcyclists as well as cracking down on inappropriate riding and nuisance offences such as noise.

Activity will focus on Kinwarton Road in Alcester, Tower Hill in Bidford and the B4088 in Salford Priors.

Sergeant Stuart Allen, from the Operational Policing Unit at Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police, said: “In the spring and summer, particularly on nice weekends, these three locations in South Warwickshire are always busy with bikers testing their skills, and often racing up and down.

“There is an obvious road safety issue here which needs to be addressed for the safety of all road users and that’s why we are launching this operation.

"This action is also being taken in support of people living around the areas who have complained through their safer neighbourhood team or parish council about the noise and high speeds of the machines involved.”

Anna Higgins, Communications Manager at the Safer Roads Partnership, said: "Through local operations like this one, and by supporting the national Think Bike campaign, we aim to make motorcyclists more aware of the risks that are present when they are out on the roads and help us reduce the amount of collisions that take place.”