Police are clamping down on speeding motorists in Ilkley after hearing concerns from residents.

The campaign began in the town on Monday and will be part of a month-long operation targeting specific areas at selected times.

The police initiative will also see them working with traffic wardens in targeting people who park illegally, including vehicles parked on pavements.

The move comes after police officers were harangued at the Ilkley Area Panel meeting last week by members of the public and Ilkley pParish councillors.

They demanded that the police took action against speeding and illegal parking in the town.

Parish councillors have spent months pressing for the police to clamp down on the growing problem in the town. The Chairman of Ilkley Parish Council, Michael Gibbons, said: "I would like to welcome the new initiative put forward by Det Chief Insp Roger Gasson.

"I commend his move to address the various problems that we have locally, particularly illegal parking and speeding in certain areas.

"These are the major concerns of people in the area and we hope that these actions will go some way to allaying concerns, but also hope that this is not just a short term measure and activity will continue."

Detective Chief Insp Gasson, of the Keighley Division, said: "Driving over the speed limit is clearly dangerous and can result in serious injury or death.

"As police officers we all too often see the horrific consequences of people driving too fast - even a slight increase in speed raises the risk of a traffic accident.

"We want the people of Ilkley to help us on this operation. Any residents who want us to target speeding traffic in areas which cause particular concern should contact Sergeant Roger Birkett, of Keighley Road Traffic Police, on (01535) 617059."

A police spokesman said: "The move comes after members of Ilkley Parish Council raised concerns about speeding traffic in the town and parking issues."

A member of Ilkley Community Against Speeding (ICAS), Barbara Davy, has welcomed the news.

"It is splendid! It is something very much welcomed because I think speeding is endemic throughout Ilkley," said the Parklands resident.

"We want people to be aware it is a great danger to pedestrians and other road users where people do not take notice of the speed limit. We do not want people to pay fines, we just want them to be aware that it is dangerous for the rest of the community.

"We welcome the police enforcement."

The group was formed in May 2001 and have carried out monthly protests to highlight the need for stricter speed limits and traffic-calming measures on certain roads.

ICAS was also involved in a Gazette-sponsored campaign to hand out 30mph car stickers to urge drivers to keep to the speed limit.