A CAMPAIGN to rid the roads of dangerous drivers in North Yorkshire has targeted motorists on the A1 in a special initiative.

North Yorkshire Police is running Operation Anvil to crack down on drivers who flout the law.

The scheme is being backed by the 95 Alive Road Safety Partnership, of which the police are a part.

In an initiative to target drivers on the A1, the police and fire brigade held a day of action.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service tried to educate drivers, with officers sent to Rainton Services, near Thirsk, and Scotch Corner.

They showed off a crashed car used to practice fighting car fires and gave out road safety leaflets.

Police officers patrolled the roads in tandem, aiming to stop anyone who was driving in a dangerous manner.

The event took place on April 5 and, despite the roads being busy, police reported no accidents.

They stopped 63 vehicles, with 38 fixed penalty notices issued for speeding and one for having no insurance.

Two vehicles were seized for no insurance and six verbal warnings were given for lighting and registration plate offences.

One driver received a fixed penalty notice and three penalty points on the licence for a mobile phone offence.

Insp Chris Charlton, North Yorkshire Police head of strategic roads policing, said: "This focused activity on the A1 was a perfect example of Operation Anvil in action.

"We had the police enforcement aspect, which concentrates people's minds about road safety and roots out those who believe they are above the law. It was also combined with the vital education and safety advice provided by North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.

"The effectiveness of this approach is clearly demonstrated by the fact that not one collision occurred on this busy route throughout the day.

"With our 95 Alive partners, we will continue the effort to reduce casualties and rid our roads of the foolish minority who pose a danger to others."