POLICE will be taking a different form of transport from today.

Operation Tellergate has returned for its second year, meaning officers could be on a bus near you in the coming weeks.

The initiative sees officers from the Batley and Spen Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) hop on a bus - provided by Arriva - and scout out anyone committing traffic offences.

The campaign lasts for a month (until November 29) and coincides with National Road Safety Week, which raises awareness of the "Fatal Four".

This includes: speeding, distractions - such as mobile phones - driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, and not wearing a seatbelt.

The Arriva bus will also be staffed by officers from West Yorkshire Police's Road Policing Unit.

A police spokesperson said: "Our eagle eyed officers will be on the lookout for traffic offences around the 'Fatal Four' as well as, dangerous driving, failing to stop at a red light, and more.

"All this will be documented and recorded through our body-worn video cameras and dealt with appropriately."

Another part of the initiative sees officers from Batley and Spen NPT, Arriva staff and other partner agencies - included West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (WYFRS) - visit several schools in the area. 

They will deliver talks on road and bus safety to more than 550 pupils from Years Five and Six.

Kim Purcell, head of operations at Arriva Yorkshire, said: "We are committed to raising awareness of road and bus safety among our customers, employees and in the local communities in which we serve.

"After the success of Operation Tellergate previously, we’re pleased that we can assist Batley and Spen NPT to improve the safety of the roads for a second year."