2,500 snared as police crackdown on Bradford's danger drivers with Operation Steerside

Operation Steerside, which was inspired by the Telegraph & Argus Stop The Danger Drivers campaign, has reached the landmark figure in fewer than four months.

Since the start of February, 2,552 drivers have been caught by Steerside officers. That success has prompted police to extend the operation once again - after it was first extended from its initial March 31 deadline to the end of June.

Now, Superintendent Damien Miller, of Bradford District Police, says there is no set end date for the operation.

"We are pleased with what Steerside has achieved and hope that this enforcement continues to make the roads of the Bradford district safer," said Supt Miller.

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

"Police in Bradford are committed to working with partners and the public to raise driving standards in the district, and with more than 2,500 tickets issued and more than 200 vehicles seized we hope that people are noticing a difference.

"We are keen to keep this momentum going and this is why Steerside will be continuing for the foreseeable future.

"I would like to thank everyone involved with the operation and the Telegraph & Argus for their support of our efforts, and I hope that law-abiding road users will be reassured by our continued commitment to making Bradford's roads safer for all."

Road safety campaigner Amjad Malik praised the work of Steerside, but wanted to see it extended to tackle dangerous driving in minor roads in built-up areas.

Mr Malik's 15-year-old son, Saliq, died in September 2014 when driver Syam Khan lost control of a powerful car in Gilpin Street, Barkerend.

Front seat passenger Saliq died in hospital from his injuries several hours later.

Mr Malik, of Eccleshill, who formed the Consequences of Reckless Driving group after his son's death, said: "They are doing a good job to cut down speeds on the main roads.

"We need to get into the smaller roads, where there are 30mph zones in built-up areas. They need to target areas like Manningham and Bradford Moor, which are off the main roads.

"I would like to see an extension of the operation's work."

Driving instructor Chris Smith, 46, who runs Driving Mode School of Motoring, in Woodside, said: "It's brilliant. At least the police are doing something about it now.

"They should keep it going. It's helping. It seems to be a little bit better at the moment."

Alice Bailey, campaigns adviser for road safety charity Brake, said: "Road traffic policing saves lives and we applaud West Yorkshire Police for taking the issue of criminal driving so seriously, especially as all forces face funding cuts.

"It's shocking that so many people in Bradford are flouting driving laws that are in place to keep all road users safe. These drivers are putting their own and other people's lives at risk."

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Steerside is targeting all forms of dangerous driving, but specifically: speeding; using a mobile phone at the wheel; not wearing a seat belt; driving without insurance; and other road-related offences.

So far, 892 drivers have been snared for speeding, 228 were using a mobile phone at the wheel, 886 were caught not wearing a seat belt, 188 were driving without insurance, and 358 committed other road-related offences.

The running total for phase two of the scheme - from April 1 onwards - has seen 1,103 drivers caught. Phase one - February and March - saw 1,539 motorists caught breaking the law.

Of the phase two figures, 322 drivers were caught speeding, 72 were using a mobile phone at the wheel, 403 motorists were caught not wearing a seat belt, 70 were driving without insurance, and 146 committed other road-related offences. A total of 72 vehicles have been seized.

The latest weekly totals saw 127 motorists caught - 35 for speeding; 12 for using a mobile phone at the wheel; 48 for not wearing a seat belt; 17 for driving without insurance and 15 for other offences. A total of 18 vehicles were seized.

Seized vehicles included a white Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van after the driver was stopped for not wearing a seat belt and driving without insurance in Legrams Lane, Lidget Green. The male driver was reported for court summons for both offences.

Last month, three drivers, all from Keighley, were caught speeding at 130mph, 115mph and 109mph on the Bingley bypass. The drivers of the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Audi A3 - the latter two were travelling in convoy at the time of the lesser speed offences - have been reported to court.

Incidents of dangerous driving can be reported to bradforddistrictasbbiketeam@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk, by phone to 01274 373968 or 101, or at a local police station.