1,000 drivers now snared in police crackdown on Bradford roads

During week six of Operation Steerside, officers caught the drivers of a Volkswagen Golf travelling at 88mph and of a Volvo travelling at 83mph in a 40mph limit in Canal Road (pictured below).

The pair were two of 211 motorists caught last week across the district - bringing Steerside's running total up to 1,061.

Sergeant Cameron Buchan, who is leading the operation, said: "These motorists were caught at speeds that would be an offence on the motorway, yet this was in the city centre. Shame on them."

Already this week - week seven - an Audi that was twice driven away from police at more than 100mph has been seized.

Read more details of that incident by clicking here

Operation Steerside, which runs until the end of this month, was inspired by the Telegraph & Argus' Stop The Danger Drivers campaign.

Superintendent Damien Miller, who leads Neighbourhood Operations at Bradford District Police, said: "Partnerships are key to successful policing and we are pleased to be working with the Telegraph & Argus and other agencies in improving the standards of driving in Bradford.

"This work is continuing to have a positive effect on the district's roads with nearly 100 vehicles seized and more than 1,000 tickets issued for motoring offences in the first six weeks of Operation Steerside.

"Motorists who drive legally and abide by the rules of the road have nothing to fear. We are committed to making the roads of Bradford safer for all and will continue to target those who drive dangerously and anti-socially."

Above: A Volkswagen Golf seized in Bradford because it was uninsured

During week six of the operation, 91 drivers were caught speeding, 57 for not wearing a seat belt, 22 were caught using a mobile phone at the wheel, and 16 had no insurance. There were 25 motorists caught for other road-related offences.

The total figures for the operation so far are: speeding 398; mobile phone use 117; no seat belt 322; no insurance 85; other road-related offences 139. Also, 92 vehicles have been seized during the crackdown.

On passing the 1,000-mark, Sgt Buchan said: "We were aiming to grab the bull by the horns. It is just a very large bull."

He added: "It is a landmark. It is bad in terms of having a lot of offenders, but good that we are catching them.

"I have various emotions. I am glad that we are upholding standards and that we are doing our bit.

"These people must be there to be caught - we are not finding people out of thin air. It is saddening in a way that there are that many."

He added: "We have prioritised road safety by having officers dedicated to upholding that part of policing, which has shown significant results. It is good in some ways, but quite humbling that these offences are occurring.

"We have addressed a concern of the public and are doing the best we can."

Above: A Rover seized on Wakefield Road, Bradford, because its insurance policy had been cancelled 

Also during week six, two other motorists were caught speeding on Canal Road, and seven vehicles were seized in one day - three for driving while disqualified and four for having no insurance. Another motorist was arrested in Bradford city centre for driving under the influence of drugs.

Sgt Buchan said: "These noteworthy incidents are just an indication of the great work been undertaken by your police. They represent a possible ten motorists who could very well be taken off the road for some time due, in part, to their attitude towards road safety.

"The people of Bradford are telling us that they are feeling the effect of this initiative - seeing better driving standards and feeling safer on their roads. Let me reassure them that we shall continue."

To report dangerous driving, email bradforddistrictasbbiketeam@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk, ring and leave a message on 01274 373968, call 101, or go to a police station.

Vehicles which are posing or are believed to be posing an immediate risk to the public should be reported using 999, police have stressed.