120mph - police clock by pass racer

3:39pm Wednesday 20th June 2007

A CAR driver has been clocked by police at 120 mph on the Heysham bypass.

He was one of seven motorists trapped travel-ling at more than 90 mph on the road during a police sting' operation.

The boys in blue used an unmarked vehicle to run Operation Bikewatch' in partnership with Heysham Port Authority during the Isle of Man TT races for the eight year running.

The campaign ran at a time when up to 10,000 motor cyclists from all over Europe passed through Heysham on their way to the island's centenary races.

But three out of every four people caught speeding during the sting were local, say police.

Despite issuing a warning about the cam-paign, three quarters of those caught were resi-dents - and one was snared at 120mph.

Seven car drivers were reported at speeds between 93 and 120 mph - a 58 per cent increase on people caught last year.

Eight cars were also seized by bobbies, with drivers reported for no insurance, and three people were arrested for excess alcohol offences.

Sgt Nigel Ralphson says motor cyclists drove well during the operation, with no collisions or comp-laints. But the same could not be said for local people.

"Last year we were shocked at just how many locals were caught speeding and shocked at some of the speeds they were going on the bypass. With that in mind we sent a letter to local firms and warned motorists in the media," he says.

"Drivers seem to have ignored the message, with 39 per cent of those caught speeding driving to and from work, which is extremely disappointing.

"With that in mind we will be stepping up patrols on the bypass."