Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, explains why he's supporting the Telegraph & Argus Stop the Danger Drivers campaign

“AS Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire I have driven many thousands of miles a year across the county to go about my job, with many of those miles driven in and around the Bradford district.

“Unfortunately like a lot of people I have witnessed at firsthand bad driving in the city and elsewhere. I’ve probably seen it all; from inconsiderate and discourteous motorists driving too close to others or cutting in front of them, to offences such as failing to stop at traffic lights and breaking the speed limit. It can be frustrating and often very dangerous and tragically fatal to other road users and pedestrians alike. It needs to change.

"The police do everything they can to enforce the rules of the road working in partnership with Bradford Council (Highways Authority) colleagues, other partners and the public generally - but they cannot be everywhere all of the time. Because of government budget cuts (approximately £140m) since 2010, West Yorkshire Police has lost approximately 2,000 police officers and staff, many of those from Bradford, which is just a reality, not an excuse. However, enforcement is only part of the answer. I have always argued that road safety awareness and education is key to making a real difference to behaviours on the road and it is why I made road safety a local priority within the Police and Crime Plan and why it's always in the top two issues raised in public consultation.

"That means everyone has to play their part and take responsibility to make a difference. That is why the Telegraph and Argus’ campaign is so important and welcome - only by spreading the word as far and as wide as possible can we hope to get the message through.

"As part of the campaign, the T&A has issued a ten-point plan. I have previously given my support to the campaign and pledge that again.

"I have strongly campaigned, lobbied and supported the call to government to halt any further drastic cuts to police numbers which directly impacts on roads policing capability and capacity. As I have already said West Yorkshire Police has had to absorb significant cuts (roughly 25per cent) and despite recent government announcements I am currently considering how to mitigate further cuts in 2016/17 when I set West Yorkshire's budget priorities in early February.

"A lot of the points raised by the T&A are also ones that would have to be implemented at a national level - ie by the Government. Processes such as improving the standard of driver training and increasing the minimum age for a full driving licence to at least 18, if implemented, would need to be across the country, not just in Bradford or indeed West Yorkshire.

"I am always willing to make representations on behalf of the people of West Yorkshire to those in power about these issues and will be contacting the relevant Government departments to make the case, working with local councillors and MPs wherever possible.

MORE STOP THE DANGER DRIVERS STORIES

"I will also ensure my office and West Yorkshire Police continue to work closely with Bradford Council and other local councils to ensure that cameras are best placed for the maximum impact. I have already invested in the purchase of 122 Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and have also approved a business case for £422,000 to be spent on mobile deployable ANPR cameras in vehicles which I have seen in action. These cameras are crucial in the battle to make our roads safer identifying criminals and tackling dangerous drivers.

It is also important that when people are brought before the courts for driving without insurance and other serious traffic offences they are, if guilty, dealt with appropriately which will send out a strong message. I will continue to work with the police and our partners in the criminal justice system to ensure this is addressed.

"Going forward, I am happy to support this ongoing campaign and the growing number of people taking up the cause with the T&A. The more people and organisations giving their support to the campaign the better. I know the police in Bradford are also following the campaign and I will be discussing road safety priorities with the WYP Chief Officer Team to see what more can be done that isn’t already or what can be done differently to make a real difference over the short and long term."