Police hope to reduce the number of motorcyclist deaths

Officers from Thames Valley, Surrey, Hampshire, Kent and the Metropolitan Police are to co-ordinate their efforts to crack down on speeding bikers.

On Sunday, officers were out on routes known to be popular with motorcyclists to stop those riding dangerously or at high speed.

The joint project, called Operation Triumph, will run during the summer.

This is not about persecuting motorcyclists...We simply want them to arrive home safely Sergeant Phil Haseler

It was organised by Sergeant Phil Haseler, of Thames Valley Police, which saw 37 riders killed and 300 seriously injured in its area last year.

Last month, the force launched a red and yellow card scheme to advise and warn dangerous motorcyclists.

Sgt Haseler said: "Motorcycle casualties are a problem across the region and all forces across the South East are serious about doing something about it.

"I therefore approached the other five forces and they agreed to co-ordinate their work with us.

"This is not about persecuting motorcyclists.