MOTORISTS using mobile phones at the wheel were among dangerous drivers caught by police in Bradford.

Officers in the district's anti-social behaviour bike team, on unmarked bikes, snared drivers who were using handheld devices while moving in busy traffic - and captured evidence on head cameras.

Also caught on camera by officers was a impatient driver who drove on the wrong side of a road in Girlington to overtake a queue of traffic. He then forced his way out on to a main road, causing another vehicle to brake sharply.

A lorry driver was reported to his haulage company by police after blocking a pedestrian crossing at a junction in Shipley with his vehicle while in a queue of traffic. His actions forced pedestrians to have to walk round his vehicle to cross the road.

Also, police had to dish out some advice to two young girls who were spotted riding a horse on roads and pavements in Holme Wood, Bradford, causing a problem for vehicles and pedestrians. The pair were told to climb down and walk the horse back to a secure location.

PC Dave Hitchcocks said: "Sadly, these poor displays of driving behaviour are all too common across the district.

"People are seemingly oblivious to the danger they pose to other road users and would undoubtedly be the first people to complain if someone acting the same way crashed into them.

"Please use some common sense and drive safely at all times, especially in the lead up to the festive season."

On the use of mobile phones at the wheel, Dave Nichols, of road safety charity Brake, said: "Using a mobile phone at the wheel is a serious offence that dramatically increases your risk of crashing and killing or seriously injuring someone.

"The impact of using a phone on reaction times, hand-held and hands-free, is on a par with drink driving. It is great to see the police actively catching these culprits, which is why we’re appealing to Bradford drivers to put their mobile phone on silent and out of reach, because no call or text is worth a life."

The impatient driving captured on head camera in Girlington happened in Duckworth Terrace and Duckworth Lane on Wednesday evening. The driver was issued with a warning notice, meaning his car could be seized if he was caught driving in a similar way in the next 12 months.

PC Hitchcocks said: "It was purely the driver's poor attitude that almost caused a collision. Impatient drivers are responsible for damage and injuries across the district and this needs to stop. Any drivers seen in similar circumstances can expect to be dealt.

"Dash cams are becoming more and more popular with the public so if you choose to behave in this manner, any footage captured may well be used to assist a prosecution against you."

The anti-social behaviour bike team can be contacted on bradforddistrictasbbiketeam@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.