AN MP has launched a petition to tackle reckless and dangerous driving in her constituency.

Kim Leadbeater, MP for Batley and Spen, is working with people in her constituency, Kirklees Council, West Yorkshire Police and the Mayor’s office to help make roads safer.

The petition has been created in the local area, but will be taken to central Government once it has received enough signatures.

Ms Leadbeater said: “We know that this is because council funding has been cut massively over the last 10 years and so we have fewer police officers and parking attendants out there doing the checks.

“The issue is not getting much better, the problems are around parking, speeding and reckless driving.

“We need to take a multi-agency approach when dealing with issues like this because there are a number of factors.”

The area has seen several accidents that have been caused by reckless and dangerous driving.

Ms Leadbeater said: “A girl was recently knocked over on her way back from school, however this driver was driving within the limit.

“Had he been speeding; the girl would be dead and that’s why it’s so important that people drive within the limit.”

When taking this petition to the Government, Ms Leadbeater is hoping to ask for tougher penalties for people who are breaking the law.

At national level, Ms Leadbeater is hoping to raise the age at which high performance cars can be hired as she feels this is adding to the problem.

Town centre parking has also become an issue, with the number of takeaway delivery drivers parking inappropriately and inconsiderately.

Ms Leadbeater added: “What we saw in the pandemic was that takeaways which didn’t normally offer delivery, started offering delivery services and have continued to do so after lockdown and now drivers need spots to park in for collection.

“Members of the constituency are highlighting that drivers are parking in disabled spots but the issue there is that there isn’t enough signage for these spots.

“I’ve communicated this to the council and have asked for signs to be put as well as markings of the disabled spots and double yellow lines.”

Having been the MP for only six months, Ms Leadbeater is keen to tackle reckless driving and improve road safety.

“This has to be done as a community effort, everyone needs to play their part, otherwise there will be no solution.

“Responsibility and accountability are key to making a lasting impact.”