MORE than 400 untaxed vehicles have been clamped by the DVLA as part of the police crackdown on danger drivers in Bradford.

The licensing agency is working with West Yorkshire Police as part of Operation Steerside, which is targeting identified hotspot areas for bad driving across the city.

In the second week of the operation - from February 8 to Monday - police snared 244 drivers, on top of 188 captured in the first week.

As part of the crackdown, the DVLA clamped 420 untaxed vehicles between February 1 and Monday.

"We know that the vast majority of drivers in Bradford pay their car tax on time, and we ensure that it's convenient to pay but very hard to avoid," a spokesman for the DVLA said.

ROAD SAFETY CRACKDOWN IN BRADFORD IS WELCOME

"We will take action against those who are determined to break the law, as it's not fair on those who pay. Our enforcement measures range from automated penalties from the vehicle record, through to direct enforcement action such as the wheel-clamping, impounding and, ultimately, disposal of the untaxed vehicle."

The crackdown was launched on the back of the Telegraph & Argus Stop the Danger Drivers campaign, which highlights the poor standard of driving in the district and calls for changes to the law.

Of the 244 drivers caught by police, 45 per cent were speeding, 45 per cent were not wearing a seatbelt, and ten per cent had committed a different offence such as using a mobile phone at the wheel or having no insurance.

A total of 21 vehicles were seized in week two and eight people were arrested - five for suspected drug driving, two for suspected burglary offences, and one for drink-driving.

"We are pleased with the results so far and hope they demonstrate the determination of police and partners to tackle dangerous driving in Bradford district," a police spokesman said.

"We are committed to making the roads of the district safer and any vehicle which poses, or is believed to be posing an immediate risk to the public, should be reported on 999. Non-emergency calls should be made on the 101 number.

"Reports about vehicles being used in an anti-social way can also be sent to bradforddistrictasbbiketeam@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk, left by answerphone on 01274 373968, or reported at your local police station."

Police across the district have also been running smaller operations alongside the main one.

Three men, aged 19, 20 and 22, were arrested on suspicion of drug-driving after testing positive for cannabis when their vehicles were stopped in separate incidents last weekend. All three have been released on bail pending further police enquiries.

MORE STOP THE DANGER DRIVERS STORIES
 

Also, officers in the Bradford South ward seized two cars during a traffic operation.

The vehicles, a Vauxhall Astra and a Volkswagen Golf, were seized after they were found to be uninsured. The Astra driver also did not have a licence.

The operation, which took place between last Friday and Sunday, resulted in 18 drivers being reported for not wearing seat belts, six for speeding, and two for using a mobile phone at the wheel.

Two drivers were also issued with Section 59 warnings, giving officers powers to seize their vehicles if they are involved in further offences. Fixed penalty notices were given to the driver of a vehicle for having no MOT and to one for failing to register their vehicle.

Seven drivers were also warned about vehicle defects, which they have 14 days to rectify.