POLICE have described driving standards on Bradford's roads as "a cause for concern" and urged the public to continue to support their efforts to prosecute those responsible.

It comes as the Telegraph & Argus Stop the Danger Drivers campaign received the backing of the district's MPs.

The campaign has been mounted to highlight the dangerous antics of some drivers and riders on roads across Bradford and has set out a ten-point charter for change.

Detective Chief Inspector Terry Long, of Bradford District Police, said his officers were well aware of the problems caused by the law-breaking minority.

"We recognise that standards of driving in the Bradford district are a cause for concern and continue to work closely with partners, in particular the Motor Insurance Bureau, to target motorists who are suspected of driving other than in accordance with the law," he said.

"Safer Roads officers use this information to identify areas where this is an issue and proactively tackle motorists who are suspected of flouting road traffic legislation.

"The district's Bike Team alone has seized more than 220 vehicles this year and issued more than 240 Section 59 warnings.

"These allow officers to seize the vehicle and take the driver to court if involved in other careless or inconsiderate driving incidents.

"These excellent results have been achieved with the help of information from the people of Bradford, who continue to show great support for our work.

"Each of the district's Neighbourhood Team works with schools in its area to promote safer driving, and patrols are carried out in communities where speeding motorists are identified as a concern.

"West Yorkshire Police remains committed to making the roads safer for all, and any vehicle which poses or is believed to be posing an immediate risk to the public should be reported on 999."

The T&A's charter for change to be presented to MPs, the police, the Council, the Home Office, and the Government, is an effort to make an impact before the death toll on the district's roads escalates further.

Our proposals which include improved standards of driver training, engine size restrictions for new drivers, and tougher sentences for anyone convicted of drink-driving have been welcomed in principle by the district's MPs.

Judith Cummins, Labour MP for Bradford South, said: "I fully support measures to improve safety on our roads, and I welcome the T&A campaign on this issue.

"We need better driver training and testing systems, including re-education and training programmes for those convicted of motoring offences.

"The Government also needs provide the resources to ensure that our roads are properly policed. That means a halt to any further cuts in traffic police numbers.

"It also means looking carefully at the criminal justice system, from crash investigation standards through to sentencing guidelines."

Philip Davies, Conservative MP for Shipley, backed the campaign and said: "The T&A is right to highlight the unacceptable accident record across the Bradford district, which leads to an unnecessarily higher injury rate for many, and increased insurance premiums for everyone.

"While tough and controversial, all of these proposals are all worthy of debate and consideration, and I hope that my constituents will let me know their thoughts on these proposals and I will certainly pursue their views with the relevant Minister."

Kris Hopkins, Conservative MP for Keighley, added: "There are far too many accidents on the roads of Bradford district, including in Keighley, and I commend the T&A for this initiative.

"In the last Parliament, the Government announced a review of driving offences and penalties to make sure the law provides the courts with appropriate powers to punish those who endanger lives and public safety.

"For example, the review is considering the maximum penalties available for driving offences that result in a death or serious injury.

"We also wish to build on changes already such as creating new offences and increasing penalties for disqualified drivers.

"We must ensure any change to existing legislation is done properly, which is why the Government will consult on this issue before publishing a draft bill.

"I hope my constituents in Keighley and Ilkley and other residents of the district will make a contribution to this."

Naz Shah, Labour MP for Bradford West, also said she welcomed the overall campaign to address road safety issues, although she questioned whether driver training was an issue.

"Many of the suggestions in the T&A campaign are useful, and anything that can be done to save lives has to be welcomed," she said.

"However, I’m mindful that mobility and access to private transport is also important to people, and as yet I haven’t seen any evidence that the standard of driver training is not appropriate or needs upgrading at the moment."

Imran Hussain, Labour MP for Bradford East, was unavailable to comment on the campaign yesterday.

Bradford Councillor Faisal Khan (The Bradford Independent Group, Bradford Moor) was at the scene of the aftermath of a fatal crash on Leeds Road, Thornbury, in February, where pensioner Michael McDermott was killed by a speeding car.

He backed the T&A campaign and said educating drivers was the most important thing.

"A campaign to reclaim our roads is a good idea, especially if it means it encourages people to think about others and reflect on the impact of what they do," he said.

"We need to teach people to be more responsive. I think education is the key and to raise awareness of the impact dangerous driving has.

"It is about empowering people with the knowledge about what could happen when you drive a car. You can even drive a low-powered car at really high speed.

"It is the fact you have got people not driving cars properly.

"If this campaign means we can improve people's lives, that is the important thing."