An 'insider' has claimed to Motorcycle News that the device is being trialled on the Horseshoe Pass, near Llangollen, a popular route for many bikers.

Police have confirmed they are increasing their "enforcement activity" over the coming months – but will not comment on the precise nature of their tactics.

A spokesman for North Wales Police said: "As days get longer we can anticipate many more motorcyclists riding in North Wales. Tragically some of these will die and some will be seriously injured and in some cases excess speed will be a significant factor in these incidents.

"With our partners we are seeking to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries to motorcyclists and other road users through education, rider awareness, engineering and enforcement.

"Our enforcement activity will increase as the days get longer, but we're not prepared to comment now on the precise tactics that will be used. We would ask that all road users to obey the law and ride and drive responsibly."

The insider was quoted in the latest issue of Motorcycle News and claimed the force had purchased the horsebox trailer to use in "covert operations" aimed specifically at motorcyclists.

More than 74,400 motorists were hit with fines across North Wales in the past year.

Just over 18 months ago the force invested in technology to detect offences in the hours of darkness using mobile cameras.

North Wales Police has, in the past, been accused of focusing too much on speed at the expense of other key causes of accidents such as poor observation and failing to be aware of hazards.

During 2007, 13 bikers were killed on North Wales roads with seven killed in a period between the middle of October and the middle of November.

Simon Clemence, owner of the Ponderosa Cafe, on Llangollen's Horseshoe Pass, said he had spoken to a member of the North Wales BikeSafe initiative, who had confirmed details of the move, and that the camera would be located on the A5104 between Llandegla and Rhydtalog.

He said: "We had a meeting with the people from BikeSafe and one of them said that in the near future they have got a horsebox which is going to have a camera in it.

"I think there has got to be truth in it if the police themselves are not going to deny it."


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