ROAD policing officers in Craven have just taken delivery of a new unmarked car that will allow them to target community concerns regarding road safety.

It is one of a number of seasonal schemes being spearheaded by the Safer Craven Partnership's road safety group.

Roads policing Sergeant Pete Stringer said: “We have already had a significant amount of success with this new vehicle which is being deployed 24 hours a day.

"We will also be looking to use it to deal with the antisocial use of vehicles in locations such as Skipton's town hall car park and in other areas of Craven where young drivers meet and drive recklessly."

The car is fitted with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) which will allow officers to target motorists driving without insurance, valid road tax or an MoT.

The partnership has also designed banners to highlight the dangers of illegal parking outside schools.

Stacey Reffin, from the partnership, said: "Traffic congestion caused by parents parking their cars while dropping off their children is a long standing issue for many schools.

"Banners have been produced to help raise awareness and the partnership will be using them in prominent locations throughout the Craven district."

Other awareness events will focus on the unlawful use of mobile phones while driving.

Stacey added: "From the many community events we attend, we ask our residents which community safety issues are most important to them and inevitably the use of mobile phones while driving is of utmost concern and is becoming a growing issue.

"With the warmer months upon us, another awareness campaign will focus on reducing motorcycle casualties. A lot of motorcyclists use our roads and we need to help keep all road users safe."

The road safety group is made up of representatives from Craven District Council, North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Rescue service, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and North Yorkshire County Council.