SCORES of motorists were stopped as part of a multi-agency event held in Great Horton today as part of Operation Steerside.
Officers from West Yorkshire Police, Bradford Council, HM Revenue & Custom and the DVLA ran the day of action, which took place in the car park of Mumtaz restaurant on the junction of Great Horton Road and Horton Park Avenue.
Motorists were waved into the car park from around the area by officers if their vehicles appeared to have defects, or there were problems with their driving, or if they were breaking the law in some way.
The DVSA issued seven immediate prohibitions and seven delayed prohibitions, while the DVLA seized one untaxed vehicle, clamped 11 others and issued three warnings. Nine fixed penalty notices were issued, three vehicle defect rectification notices were handed out, there was one report for summons, one traffic offence report, four cars seized for no insurance and one Section 59 warning for anti-social driving. HMRC checked 20 vehicles, but found no evidence of red diesel.
It was the latest day of action held by police as part of Operation Steerside, and was the second to take place in Great Horton this week.
Sergeant Jamie Wilkinson, from West Yorkshire Police said they were aiming to tackle anti-social driving and illegal vehicle use.
He said: “In addition to police officers we had HMRC looking for use of red diesel, the Driving Standards Agency were looking at road-worthiness of vehicles, and colleagues from the DVLA looking at issues around tax, and also the Council looking at trade licences on vehicles.
“It was a mixture of officers driving round looking for vehicles, and officers in the street waving cars in who we may think be of interest to us or our partner agencies, to give them a check over and then send them on their way.”
Superintendent Daniel Greenwood, from Operation Steerside, added: “The operation was relatively successful.
“We know from speaking to the people of Bradford the standards of driving are an issue and the standards of vehicles are an issue, and by working with other agencies it allows us identify cars which are not conforming and causing issues.
“We have seen a couple of vehicles we have previously dealt with come back in, unfortunately they have not heeded previous advice or warnings so we have had to take firmer action.
“The feedback we get from the community is relatively positive, but we need to be realistic.
“This is just a small operation, and is not going to have an impact overnight, but we need to start tackling the issue, and we will keep working to develop our approach and have the maximum amount of effect as possible.”
Councillor Abdul Jabar, executive member for neighbourhoods and community safety, said: “We all know the devastating consequences that dangerous driving can lead to, so any action to make Bradford a safer place to live and work is welcomed.
“The team has already achieved great results in combating anti-social driving. Our message is clear - anyone who drives at excessive speeds, use a mobile device whilst driving, drives in an anti-social, careless or dangerous manner is highly likely to face fines, penalty points and risk having their vehicles seized.”
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