A CAMPAIGN targeting "dangerous and irresponsible" motorcycle riders in Bromsgrove and Droitwich is proving to be a huge success - figures show no bikers have been killed in the area during the last month.

West Mercia Constabulary, which covers both towns, launched a summer-long offensive to promote safer motorcycling and rider training, and targeting those who pose a danger to other road users in April.

Figures unveiled at the end of the first month of the scheme also show a significant reduction in the number of bikers suffering critical injuries.

Last May, during a similar high profile campaign, 13 motorcyclists were injured in collisions and two died.

Sgt John Roberts, of the force's traffic operations department, who is co-ordinating the campaign, said: "It is difficult to identify the reason for the reduction but it does appear that our message is getting through to members of the motorcycle community.

"Officers have reported a number of the bikers they have spoken to are aware that we are targeting dangerous and irresponsible riding."

Sgt Roberts added: "The irresponsible minority of motorcyclists who continue to put their own and other road users' lives at risk by driving at excessive speeds, or in a dangerous manner, will still be targeted by officers."

In the first weeks of the campaign, a fifth of all motorcyclists stopped by police were speeding.

A total of 20 motorcyclists will be appearing before the courts on speeding charges after being recorded allegedly travelling at more than 100 mph.

A further 63 received a £60 fine and three penalty points.

One in six of the 365 motorcyclists stopped by officers received a £60 fixed penalty and three points on the licence for offences including crossing sold white lines, dangerous driving, driving without due care and attention and driving through a red light.

The campaign continues for the next three months.