OPERATION Steerside has undertaken 60 intelligence-led operations in the past year as it continues to tackle dangerous driving in Bradford.

The special force was launched in 2016 specifically to tackle dangerous and anti-social driving in Bradford and evolved two years later into a multi-agency partnership to work proactively on illegal use of the roads.

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a significant increase in reports of anti-social use of motor vehicles in the Bradford District.

In response, the Operation Steerside team has worked tirelessly through the pandemic, seven days a week, using innovative tactics to tackle anti-social and dangerous driving on the district’s road network.

Bradford was the first area to obtain a whole District Public Spaces Protection Orders - or PSPO - against anti-social use of motor vehicles.

The initial enforcement has been tested by Steerside officers resulting in 40 PSPO reports.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

The Steerside team is currently training NPT officers in the enforcement of the PSPO.

Since March 2020, the Operation Steerside Team has:

  • Undertaken 60 pre-planned intelligence led operations
  • Issued 1,115 fixed penalty notices
  • 440 reports for summons for driving offences
  • 242 section 59 warnings to drivers
  • 327 vehicle seizures
  • 76 arrests

As well as enforcement activity in Bradford, the partnership works closely with schools and youth groups and deliver educational initiatives.

While this work has been impacted by the pandemic and the closure of schools, it is currently working with schools to establish how this can be resumed through tech.

There are also plans being developed with course provider TTC to deliver the Young Driver Programme in schools online.

Chief Superintendent Dan Greenwood, Bradford District Commander, said: “This year has been like no other in terms of policing due to the pandemic, but I am extremely proud of the results the Operation Steerside team have achieved in difficult circumstances.

“We remain committed to proactively tackling anti-social use of the roads and work closely with our partner agencies to ensure that the roads in the Bradford District are safe to use for those living, working and visiting the city.”

Meanwhile Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “At Bradford Council we remain committed to working with our partners in the fight against the anti-social and dangerous use of vehicles in the district.

“We are pleased with the results we have all achieved this year, despite the restrictions of the pandemic, and we look forward to carrying all the initiatives into the future to make the roads of our district safer for everyone.” 

Anyone with any information about dangerous or anti-social driving is urged to contact the team via 101 or online. You can also submit dash cam footage here: https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/SaferRoadsSubmissions