A POLICE operation to try to curb the speed of hundreds of bikers who converge on Avebury every Wednesday has had some surprise results.

It is picking up more car drivers for breaking the law than bikers.

The weekly meeting of bikers in the village during the summer months has gained momentum in the past six years and villagers have become increasingly concerned at the speed of some bikers and complained to police about dangerous riding.

The police have responded by running a bike-safe campaign, and officers have been attending the Wednesday meetings to speak to motorcyclists and get across the safety message. The campaign has been running for four weeks.

Salisbury police division press officer David Taylor said: "Traffic officers carried out speed and vehicle checks in and around the Avebury area as well as offering advice to the 350 motorcyclists attending the meet."

He said during the evening that one motorcyclist and four motorists had been reported for excess speed.

In addition, one male car driver was arrested for suspected drink driving, failing to stop for a police officer, speeding and driving without insurance.

A further three car drivers were cautioned for road traffic offences other than speeding.

Although the police campaign is resulting in more car drivers being booked than bikers, it will continue through the summer in a bid to reduce the number of accidents involving motorcyclists.