A TWO-month police crackdown on dangerous drivers on Bradford's roads resulted in more than 1,500 motorists being caught breaking the law.

Operation Steerside, which was inspired by the Telegraph & Argus Stop The Danger Drivers campaign, has also caused a drop in the number of reported collisions across the district, said police.

A spokesman said the number of reported collisions had reduced from a weekly average of 130 between November and January, to 118 between February 1 and March 20.

The crackdown, which started on February 1, has been considered such a success that police have already announced they have extended it by 12 weeks. It was due to finish on Thursday, but public concerns at its conclusion helped prompt the extension.

A police spokesman said phase two of the operation would keep the "momentum in protecting Bradford's lawful road users".

Phase one saw 1,539 drivers caught for various offences placed in five categories. They were: speeding; using a mobile phone while driving; not wearing a seat belt; driving without insurance; and other road-related offences.

A total of 570 drivers (37 per cent) were caught speeding, 156 (ten per cent) were using a mobile phone at the wheel, 483 (31 per cent) motorists were caught not wearing a seat belt, 118 (eight per cent) were driving without insurance, and 212 (14 per cent) were snared for other road-related offences.

The final week's figures of 286 motorists caught were made up of: speeding 98; mobile phone use 28; not wearing a seatbelt 92; no insurance 21; and other offences 47.

A total of 127 vehicles seized for mainly driving without insurance or a licence.

Sergeant Cameron Buchan, who is leading Operation Steerside, said: "We have dealt with over 1,500 offences in making the roads of Bradford safer for lawful drivers. I'd like to think this was responsible for the drop in reported collisions, as that would be exactly why the operation was conceived.

"In answer to the many comments received from our public, we will be continuing the initiative. The continued support of the public is essential and appreciated greatly."

Police said analysis is ongoing to show how each motorist caught was dealt with - such as pay a fine, take an educational course, or go to court - and added it would be revealed when available.

Superintendent Damien Miller, who leads Neighbourhood Operations at Bradford District Police, said previously: "We are pleased with what Steerside has already achieved in its initial phase and hope that people are noticing a difference on the district's roads.

"Extending this operation can only be good news for all road users, except the minority who drive other than in accordance with the rules of the road.

"I would like to thank everyone involved with the operation for what has been achieved so far and hope that law-abiding road users in Bradford district will be reassured by our continuation of this good work."