People have been urged to shop nuisance bikers in a crackdown which started today.

Bradford Council is urging people to report the illegal use of quad bikes and mini motorbikes to the authorities.

Information leaflets are being distributed throughout the area to spell out the dangers of nuisance motorbikes and encourage residents to report incidents in their neighbourhoods.

Council Leader Councillor Margaret Eaton, who is also chairman of the Safer Communities Partnership which has started the scheme, said: "Illegal mini-motorbikes, quad bikes and scooters cause a real headache for residents and can severely affect their quality of life.

"People should not have to put up with this and we are determined to stamp it out. I would urge all residents who are affected by these nuisance motorcycles to pass on the details to us so we can put a stop to it."

The leaflet also issues advice on the law relating to mini bikes and warnings to parents.

The Motorcycle Nuisance Group - which is made up of officers in the Anti-Social Behaviour Team, environmental protection, park rangers and from Bradford Community Housing Trust - will champion the scheme with the help of West Yorkshire Police officers.

Superintendent Colin Western, of West Yorkshire Police, said: "These vehicles can cause a real nuisance to local communities and we are also aware of a number of incidents where the riders of such vehicles have been involved in road accidents, some of which have been very serious.

"The police have a power to seize any vehicle being used on a public road without a valid insurance policy in place, also at the driver/rider's expense.

"A prosecution for no insurance, which can result in a fine, and or penalty points being issued will also be brought.

"Police in Bradford have access to off-road motorcycles, which have been supplied in partnership with Bradford Council, to try to tackle this anti-social problem. We work alongside the Bradford Park Ranger service and have access to video and still image recording equipment."

More than 3,000 people have called either the police or the Council with complaints about quad bikes and mini motorcycles over the past year.

Under the Police Reform Act the police have new powers to seize motor vehicles which are used to cause alarm, distress or annoyance to the public.

The Council has the power under the Environmental Protection Act to serve legal notices, seize the offending machine and prosecute the noise-maker.

Use of a vehicle on parks, land or playing fields can be classed as criminal damage. It is an offence to drive a vehicle on private land without the landowner's permission. The carriageway, pavement and footpaths are all part of the road.

To report quad bikes or mini motorbikes call West Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060606 or Bradford Council on (01274) 434165.