Almost two dozen vehicles have been seized and impounded by Bradford police in a purge on illegal road users and known criminals.

Twenty-three vehicles were taken off the road, 11 people were arrested, seven people reported for summons and 43 fixed penalty notices given out.

The operation targeted motorists travelling through the city to commit crime or without insurance, tax or a licence.

Police officers from the city’s neighbourhood policing teams, Regional Roads Policing Unit, the force’s automatic numberplate recognition intercept team and special constables took part to extend the crackdown on Thursday.

One suspect was arrested for possession of Class B drugs and four people were apprehended for taking a vehicle without consent. Six people were arrested on outstanding police warrants – one for not attending a court date and the rest for failing to pay fines.

More than £4,250 was recovered in unpaid fines. Fixed-penalty notices were issued for drivers or passengers not wearing seatbelts, using mobile phones at the wheel and failure to MOT or insure their vehicles. Sixteen taxis were checked and five drivers were issued with suspension notices.

Owners of the seized vehicles have seven days to produce proof of valid insurance otherwise their cars will be crushed or sold at auction.

Sergeant Michael Cox, who ran the operation, said: “We will be carrying out operations like this throughout the next year and plan to crush many more cars we seize during that time.”

To report vehicle crime, contact your local neighbour policing team on (01274) 376625 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.