AN initiative to tackle law-flouting motorists in Keighley and across the Bradford district has reached a landmark.

Two thousand vehicles have now been seized since an expansion of Operation Steerside in May, 2018.

The venture was first launched by West Yorkshire Police six years ago.

It initially focused on enforcement against the so-called ‘fatal four’ – speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, drink and drug driving and using a mobile phone whilst at the wheel.

But its area of work was subsequently widened to cover all types of dangerous, anti-social or illegal vehicle use.

Inspector Nick Haigh, of West Yorkshire Police, says: "To take 2,000 vehicles off the roads of the Bradford district for illegal or dangerous use is a key milestone.

"However, the work doesn’t stop there. We're committed to tackling anti-social, dangerous or illegal vehicle use across the area.

"Through working closely in partnership with communities, we will continue to make the district's roads safer for all."

The landmark figure is welcomed by Councillor Abdul Jabar, Bradford Council's neighbourhoods and community safety portfolio holder.

He says: "We support Operation Steerside with significant funding so we're pleased it is yielding excellent results.

"We will continue to do everything we can to crack down on anti-social and dangerous driving to make Bradford district’s roads as safe as they can possibly be."

Anyone with information about dangerous or anti-social driving can contact Operation Steerside via the 'report it' options at westyorkshire.police.uk/report-it.

Dashcam footage can be submitted via westyorkshire.police.uk/SaferRoadsSubmissions.

Earlier this month, officers from the West Yorkshire Police roads policing unit took part in an operation which saw an unmarked heavy goods vehicle used to film the driving habits of motorists.

As a result, more than 80 offences were recorded. They included using a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving, failing to wear a seatbelt and having an insecure load.

Sergeant Steve Suggitt – of the roads policing unit – says that despite changes to the law further tightening the rules regarding mobile phones and driving, some motorists are still using their handsets.

He says: "Some drivers are putting themselves and others at risk by using mobile phones not just for calling, but for texting and scrolling social media, which takes their concentration off the road and increases their chances of being involved in a collision.

"Our officers will continue to patrol the roads using unmarked vehicles and the covert HGV to film drivers."