A MAJOR police crackdown on danger drivers in Bradford district has started - and 21 motorists were caught on the first day.

The two-month operation - inspired by the Telegraph & Argus Stop The Danger Drivers campaign - will focus on five 'hotspot' areas that have been identified by officers who have been gathering intelligence over the last few weeks.

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Superintendent Damien Miller, who leads neighbourhood operations at Bradford District Police, stressed that, although there were hotspots, the force would be working to tackle bad and dangerous driving across the whole district.

"We know that standards of driving in Bradford District are a cause for concern and this operation signals our intention to do something about it," said Supt Miller.

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"We have worked closely with partner agencies on a plan to identify the hotspot areas, but it should be noted that we will be taking action across the district to remove these vehicles from our streets and deal with those drivers who are breaking the law.

"We hope this work will echo the success of the district's bike team, which has alone seized more than 300 vehicles since its inception in July 2014, and will be looking at further operations if they are needed."

A police spokesman said the force would not, for the time being, be revealing where the hotspots were, adding: "For operational reasons we would prefer not to reveal where the hotspots are."

The operation is targeting drivers who commit the Fatal Four motoring offences, so called because they are considered to be the factors most likely to contribute to a collision. The factors are: drink or drug driving; speeding; using a mobile phone while driving; and not wearing a seatbelt.

On day one of the crackdown - which started on Monday - officers issued 21 tickets to motorists for road traffic offences in the district. Sixteen drivers were caught speeding, one had driven through a red traffic light, two had no registration plates, and two were classed as "road related offences". None of the vehicles involved were seized, said police.

The start of the operation follows work with police partner agencies, such as the Motor Insurance Bureau and the DVLA, to identify the areas most affected by these problems and the type of offences that are occurring.

Roads policing officers will be bolstered by resources from other areas of the force, neighbourhood teams and volunteers. Partners such as the DVLA and VOSA will also be helping.

Supt Miller said: "We are 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. Non-emergency calls should be made on the 101 number."

Councillor Arshad Hussain, Bradford Council's portfolio holder with responsibility for community safety, backed the police action.

He said: "I support the police's determined efforts to tackle dangerous driving, which can be a real menace.

"It is so important that drivers take in the message that anything that distracts their attention or slows down their reactions can result in a life or death situation, and they are putting other people's lives at risk as well as their own."

Alice Bailey, of road safety charity Brake, said: "It's great that police in Bradford recognise the importance of road safety and are making it a priority.

"Five people die on UK roads every single day, often in crashes caused by drivers who are speeding, have drunk or taken drugs, or are using mobile devices behind the wheel. Every death leaves a trail of devastation, affecting families and communities.

"Brake works tirelessly to educate people on how to drive as safely as possible, but enforcement plays a major part in keeping our roads safe for everyone. We urge the government to keep investing in roads policing, and treat it as a priority. It saves lives."

Supt Miller urged people to report vehicles being used in an anti-social way to the contact points used by the Bradford anti-social behaviour bike team. They can be contacted via bradforddistrictasbbiketeam@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk, by leaving an answerphone message at 01274 373968, or at a police station.