Vehicles seized in police crackdown in Bradford (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Vehicles seized in police crackdown in Bradford

8:21pm Tuesday 19th February 2013 in Bradford By Claire Armstrong, T&A Reporter

PCSO Diane Copley and APS Najma Akram carry out a traffic operation

A vehicle was seized by customs officials for using red diesel during a crackdown on illegal drivers in Bradford.

Sixty vehicles were randomly stopped in Manningham yesterday and tested for the low-tax fuel, which cannot legally be used on public highways.

Four further vehicles were seized for a range of motoring offences in the clampdown, called Operation Serian.

Now police have warned they will be taking their fight against illegal drivers to other areas of the city in the coming weeks.

Yesterday’s operation, in Lilycroft Road, saw two vehicles seized for not having tax discs, two seized because they were not insured and one person reported to the court on suspicion of driving while disqualified.

The joint operation, between the police, Trading Standards, customs officials and the DVLA, ran from 9am to 2pm.

Acting Sergeant Najma Akram, of the Manningham and Toller Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Targeting uninsured vehicles on Bradford’s roads is one of our main priorities and has been highlighted as a concern by residents. We stopped and seized two vehicles today for this very reason and it really emphasises the importance of these focused operations. Those who drive without insurance risk having their vehicles seized and paying hundreds of pounds for the duration of its compound.

“The partner agencies that joined us during this clampdown also seized vehicles for having no tax and also for the use of red diesel. Nine tickets were handed out for those driving without a seatbelt. “By not wearing a seatbelt, you are putting your own safety at risk, not to mention your passengers and potentially other road users.

“It is a task which takes only a few seconds to perform and can save lives. There are absolutely no reasons why you should not be wearing your seatbelt and we will be making sure drivers in Bradford are fully aware of this fact.”

Sgt Akram said other tickets were issued, including one to a driver without an MOT and another to a motorist with a loose battery.

She said: “The message is plain and simple. We will not tolerate those who cause dangers to themselves and others on the road.”