The device can also be used to take image of car drivers

The Autovision system not only records the speed and number plate of the motorbike but also takes an image of the biker, say police.

North Yorks officers say this means there can be should no dispute over who was riding a speeding motorcycle.

The system will be used this weekend to monitor riders coming into Scarborough for the bike races at Oliver's Mount.

Mini-computer

Using Autovision means that a second officer is not needed at speed check points to stop offenders.

Information from the camera is stored on a mini-computer.

The information is later downloaded and will lead to either fixed penalty tickets or a court appearance for extreme speeders.

Police accept that bikers' helmets will prevent them getting a clear image of the rider's face.

But they say they will have a picture of the bike, the clothing the rider was wearing and the number plate.

Assistant Chief Constable David Collins revealed that 12 riders have died on the county's road this year compared with 26 at the same point in 2003.

Reducing the death toll has been one of the force's priorities for 2004

"Twelve is still 12 too many," he said, "and each represents a tragedy whose impact spreads out far beyond the family and friends of the deceased.

"But none the less we can take some encouragement from the results of the get-tough campaign."