A MAJOR crackdown has been underway to tackle the scourge of dangerous ‘car cruising’ events on Bradford’s Euroway Trading Estate.

The Bradford South Neighbourhood Policing Team, along with Safer Bradford and Highway Engineers from Bradford Council, have been working on the operation for the last 15 months.

It follows concerns about dangerous driving in the area, excessive noise, damage to grass verges and fences as well as littering.

Eight drivers have been convicted of driving offences, with five vehicles seized, four Section 59 warnings and three Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) fixed penalty notices being handed out. 

A total of 34 penalty points were issued and more than £4,200 worth of fines given out. 

Three drivers were banned from driving, two of them for six months each. The third was given 18 months for racing on a public road.  

Officers have released a video showing a driver crashing into a fence on Wharfedale Road on January 22 after speeding. 

Back in May, a 25-year-old man admitted to driving without due care and attention after crashing into a fence.

The Cleckheaton man caused thousands of pounds in damage. He was given five penalty points and ordered to pay £204 in fines. 

Police Constable Joe Button, of Bradford South Neighbourhood Policing team, said: “I hope this sends a clear message that police, and partners will take action against this type of behaviour. 

“Careless and dangerous driving not only puts the driver, but other road users and the local community at risk.

“We will not tolerate this sort of behaviour and we are working closely with Bradford Council to enforce the PSPO which is in place and prohibits car meet events in Bradford.

“There is a minimum £100 fine for just turning up to the car meet under the PSPO. 

“We are also working closely with the community and I would urge anyone who witnesses anti-social driving or who information about any illegal car meet to please report it to us via the Report It options at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/reportit ”

Councillor Abdul Jabar, Neighbourhoods and Community Safety Portfolio Holder, added: “Illegal car meets which often involve dangerous and anti-social driving are clearly unacceptable and the Council and our partners are doing everything we can to crack down on them. 

“These joint operations and successful prosecutions send a clear message to those who might be considering taking part and we will continue to take firm action against irresponsible drivers who disrupt and disturb local communities.”

Councillor Matt Edwards (Greens, Tong) thanked the policing team for its work, which he said had been a "big headache" for people living on Rockhill Lane. 

He added: “As a ward councillor I’ve been really clear that this can’t just be left to the West Yorkshire Police to deal with and I have been pushing for Bradford Council to do much more to help get this issue under control.

"The work the police have done has resulted in these prosecutions but I am hoping we will see additional measures by the Council which will deal with this issue permanently.”

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