Rise in dangerous speeds on Yorkshire roads as police clock BMW at 132mph

North Yorkshire Police said its officers have seen an increase in vehicles travelling at dangerous, highly-excessive speeds since the nationwide lockdown.

Now one of its speed cameras has clocked a BMW travelling at 132mph on a non-motorway road.

The car was recorded on the A168 at Asenby, near Thirsk, earlier than this week, the force said.

A spokesman said that details of the vehicle were circulated to other units and a driver was stopped by officers from a neighbouring police force a short time later.

The driver was subsequently reported on suspicion of driving offences.

Andy Tooke, of North Yorkshire Police's traffic bureau, said: "Some of the speeds we have recorded as the roads have got quieter are frankly ridiculous, especially at a time when people have been asked to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.

"It's unbelievable that some motorists are behaving in a way that puts more lives in danger at a time when NHS and emergency service resources are so vital.

"It goes without saying that if people stuck to the rules of the road during a time of national crisis, there would be no offences for us to enforce.

"We will not tolerate North Yorkshire being used as a race track, and we are continuing to target those who put lives at risk by driving illegally."

The speed limit on the stretch of the A168 that the safety camera operator was monitoring is 70mph.

North Yorkshire Police said that, in the last few days, it has also recorded speeds of 117mph and several at close to 100mph.

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