KEIGHLEY could become part a national trial designed to help slam the brakes on law-flouting motorists.

A bid is being made for the town to be one of four areas to pilot new technology aimed at cracking down on drivers whose vehicles cause a noise nuisance.

Special cameras would be used to automatically detect vehicles that are exceeding legal noise limits.

Evidence gathered from the devices, which could work like speed cameras, would then be used to help the authorities prosecute offenders.

The move follows growing concerns about anti-social driving and the use of unlawfully modified cars.

Keighley MP, Robbie Moore, says he is pressing for the town to be part of the initiative.

The new technology will be trialled in areas of the country selected by the Department for Transport.

"I will be making the case for Keighley in Westminster and really do hope this bid is successful," said Mr Moore.

"These illegally modified cars are a plague on our town. I know that people are sick to death of those who drive around with loud exhausts and revved-up engines, often late at night, causing real disruption to our area. People are rightly fed-up and it is about time we did something about it.

"Hopefully this new technology would go a long way to stopping this anti-social behaviour.

"Police have existing powers, including the ability to issue fines, but currently they can have trouble gathering evidence.

"The technology would help provide the police and local authorities with the tools and evidence needed to take action against drivers who flout noise laws."

Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team says tackling speeding and anti-social vehicle use is a priority.

Measures taken include the deployment of officers on Speedwatch – including the use of speed indication devices for education purposes and the deployment of pro-laser for enforcement action.

The team urges anyone with specific locations of concern to contact it or Bradford Council highways department.

Officers from Operation Steerside are also proactive in the area.

West Yorkshire Police launched the operation, to crack down on law-flouting motorists, in 2016.

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 at the wheel – but its area of work has expanded.

It says officers are deployed daily across the Bradford district to take action against offenders and anti-social vehicle use.