Police have announced a new air assault on speeding motorcylists - as Essex has just become the most dangerous biking county in Britain.

More bikers have died on the county's roads in the past year than anywhere else in the country, it was revealed today (Monday).

And Essex Police are now taking new steps in a bid to improve motorcycle safety and to catch speeding riders.

The force is now using the police helicopter to target speeding riders and to monitor their speeds.

So far this year this year there have been 16 fatal road accidents involving motorbikes - more than a quarter of the total number for the entire country.

There have also been 416 injury collisions involving riders. In 2000, 21 riders were killed and 272 seriously injured.

A police spokesman said: "Essex is the most dangerous county for motorcyclists to ride in, as it has the highest fatality rate in the country.

"The majority of these fatal crashes were caused by irresponsible rider behaviour as well as those breaking the speed limit. Essex Police are cracking down on irresponsible and dangerous riders by utilising our helicopter, which will fly over all the major roads to catch those speeding."

The police have also been loaned four motorcycles to catch speeding motorcyclists and to attend motorcycle meets to educate riders.

As well as the speeding riders clampdown, Essex Police have also launched their Responsible Rider campaign which aims to get riders to make a pledge to better riding.

The police have invited all bikers to attend their Motorcycle Responsible Rider Day on Sunday. It will be held between 10am and 3pm at Ron Parkinsons Motorcycles and The Bungalow Cafe in Marks Tey. Those wanting to find out more should contact Essex Police Road Policing Units on 01245 452918 or 01206 762512.

Aerial watch - the Essex Police helicopter has joined the crackdown on speeding motorcyclists

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