Bikers angry at covert speed cams

Motorbikers in Derbyshire have said they are unhappy that the police are using unmarked speed camera vans to target them.

Derbyshire Police began Operation Focus last month in a bid to reduce the number of motorcycle casualties.

The patrols operate on routes highlighted as collision black spots on selected weekends and weekday evenings until October.

East Midlands Motorcycle Club said the vans would not improve road safety.

I feel a little bit upset that they're going to target just one section of the motoring public - the motorcyclist Mark Campbell, East Midlands Motorcycle club

Sgt Andy Carmichael from Derbyshire Police defended the use of the camera vans: "We're using plain vehicles, plain vans and plain bikes to target those people who are causing the problems.

"This is really about reducing casualties, it's not about finance and it isn't about tickets."

But Mark Campbell from the East Midlands Motorcycle Club said bikers were being targeted.

"If the authorities are out to fine people breaking the law then fine. That's absolutely right and proper.

"If a motorcyclist or motor car, for that matter, is breaking the law I feel a little bit upset that they're going to target just one section of the motoring public - the motorcyclist.

Figures from the Derbyshire Safety Camera Team revealed that the number of people killed or seriously injured on Derbyshire roads dropped by about 30% between 1997 and 2006 - but biker casualty figures had shown no such improvement.