More cyclists, more speeding drivers and more deaths: How North Yorkshire's roads have changed during lockdown

Roads in the Yorkshire Dales have been speeding black spots

For North Yorkshire Police's traffic officers, lockdown has presented unprecedented challenges of law enforcement.

The force has now shared statistics and first-hand observations about how road usage has changed since late March.

While cycling has drastically increased, so has speeding and the fatality rate has risen, despite the number of collisions actually decreasing.

Inspector Jeremy Bartley of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Investigation Team, said: “Coronavirus restrictions have undoubtedly brought significant changes to the way our roads are used.

“Some of the changes are positive, such as more families taking up cycling and more people walking. But we’ve also seen negative changes too, including speeds of more than 130mph.

“By sharing these changes with motorists, we hope they’ll adapt their driving as routes get busier again.”

Seventy per cent more cyclists are using the roads

The number of cyclists has risen by 70 per cent during lockdown. Police officers have seen large numbers of novice cyclists and parents with young children enjoying the roads for the first time in the absence of traffic.