ALARMING figures have shown that the number of underage and young drivers being disqualified from driving, even before they have passed their test, is growing each year in the district.

A Freedom Of Information request submitted to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre has provided the total of under 17s from a BD postcode who had been banned from driving between 2013 and 2017.

The totals were: 2013 (3), 2014 (24), 2015 (24), 2016 (37) and 2017 (43).

There was a further breakdown of under 15s between 2014 and 2017. These were: 2014 (3), 2015 (5), 2016 (4) and 2017 (7).

Both groups of figures showed a worrying increase year on year.

Judith Cummins, MP for Bradford South said the figures were disturbing.

“Dangerous driving is a scourge that blights our city so I am particularly concerned to hear that the number of underage drivers being banned is on the rise. I will be raising this matter with the police in my regular meetings with them,” she said.

Mrs Cummins added: “I have pushed for tougher sentences for offenders in parliament - the law must act as a strong deterrent. But clearly, when it comes to children of 15 and under being involved, action must be taken. Educating young people so that they fully understand the misery reckless and illegal driving can cause is also vital.”

Isabel Owen, West Yorkshire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Road safety is a significant concern in West Yorkshire communities and a priority in the Police and Crime Plan.

“However road safety cannot be achieved by the police alone and can only be tackled effectively if my office, the police and partners all work together to keep our roads safe for everyone.

“Education and awareness is crucial to ensure that young people are aware of the dangers and consequences of driving illegally which can be much more devastating than a driving disqualification, which is serious enough in itself.

“Since 2015 officers from West Yorkshire Police have run a One Life Lost campaign aimed at young people aged 16 or over who are learning to drive or who are newly qualified.

“It has seen them visit more than 50 schools to speak with over 10,000 students about the devastating impact of fatal and serious collisions.

“Last year Mark was able to set a budget, with the help of our communities, to recruit 300 new police officers. A number of these officers have been dedicated to roads policing, as part of the Neighbourhood Policing footprint across the county.

“Road safety is a key priority for our communities and this team will proactively operate across West Yorkshire to tackle criminals using our roads and working with our partners and with our communities help to improve road safety more generally.”