SEVERAL cars have been stopped by police as part of Operation Tellergate which put officers in a bus to catch offenders.

The operation, which is in its second year, involves a bus provided by Arriva staffed by the Batley and Spen NPT team. Patrolling the local area and supported by marked police vehicles, officers aim to video and document various traffic offences.

In just under two hours, nine drivers were recorded for using a mobile phone and given six points and a £200 fine

One vehicle in the Cleckheaton area had no insurance and no tax. The driver already had eight points and now faces losing their licence. They were given six points, a £300 fine and their car was seized.

A further vehicle was abandoned in the Cleckheaton area after the driver failed to stop for officers. It was seized for no insurance as it was believed to be a drugs pool car. Enquiries were ongoing to locate the driver.

A third vehicle was seized for no insurance or tax in the Birstall area. The driver was reported for summons as they were also found to be a disqualified driver.

And a fourth vehicle was seized in the Heckmondwike area, the driver again having no insurance and no licence. He was also found to be in possession of a quantity of various drugs which resulted in officers conducting a house search. The driver was taken into custody and the vehicle seized. A quantity of cash and drugs were also recovered.

Officers said they even managed to attend a report of a child left alone in a car in the Birstall area.