Police have clocked motorists hitting ‘ridiculous speeds’ now there’s less traffic on the county’s roads.
They have seen an increase in dangerous speeding as the new restrictions prevent people travelling.
One driver was clocked doing 132mph in a 70mph zone on the on the A168.
Another driver was doing 117mph, with several others hitting speeds close to 100mph.
‘Putting lives in danger’
North Yorkshire Police have urged motorists to make only essential journeys and drive safely to protect valuable emergency service and NHS resources.
Police patrols and safety camera vans, which are operated by key-worker police staff rather than officers, have been used at key locations to try to prevent further casualties.
Andy Tooke, of North Yorkshire Police’s Traffic Bureau, said:
Some of the speeds we have recorded as the roads have got quieter are frankly ridiculous, especially at a time when people have been asked to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.
It’s unbelievable that some motorists are behaving in a way that puts more lives in danger at a time when NHS and emergency service resources are so vital.
It goes without saying that if people stuck to the rules of the road during a time of national crisis, there would be no offences for us to enforce.
We will not tolerate North Yorkshire being used as a race track, and we are continuing to target those who put lives at risk by driving illegally.
Details of the vehicle which hit 132mph were circulated to other units and a driver was stopped by officers from a neighbouring police force a short time later. The driver was subsequently reported on suspicion of the offence.