AN MP is calling for more funding to combat dangerous driving after she joined police on a patrol around the Bradford district to gain an insight into their work.
Batley and Spen MP Kim Leadbeater spent the day on patrol with the West Yorkshire Roads Policing Team to see at first hand their work to apprehend offenders and remind drivers of the penalties they can face.
Among the activities Ms Leadbeater took part in were searching for a stolen vehicle in Bradford, traffic monitoring on White Lee Road, Heckmondwike and Liversedge and checks on dangerous parking and driving in Batley Town Centre.
She also joined officers on a search for a stolen vehicle in Bradford and attended a Road Traffic Accident in Brighouse.
Ms Leadbeater also saw police officers carry out speed checks on Dewsbury Moor.
When Parliament returns after Easter recess, she will be presenting her petition signed by hundreds of residents, which is calling for dedicated resources for West Yorkshire Police and Kirklees Council to clamp down on dangerous driving.
She will also be calling for a review into the law on high performance rental cars and new legal powers to tackle road safety.
Ms Leadbeater called last Monday’s patrol a really insightful visit into the work district police have to carry out on a daily basis.
She said: “West Yorkshire traffic police are very stretched following significant cuts to their budgets over the last 10 years.
“I want to say thank you to Dan and Andy, the officers who let me accompany them on patrol.
“It was a really insightful experience which showed the stark reality of how a severe lack of funding and resources has impacted the day-to-day work of police officers.
“We discussed the pressures of the job as well as local issues in Batley and Spen including tackling speeding on White Lee Road, the volume of traffic going through Heckmondwike and dangerous parking in Batley Town Centre.
We also joined community police officers conducting speed checks and talked about the need to crack down on drink and drug driving and people using mobile phones whilst driving
“More police and resources would definitely act as a deterrent and I support that. It is not the only issue though.
“Sadly, it can be very difficult to get some people to respect their communities and fellow citizens. And the abuse too often directed at officers is completely unacceptable.
“The police are very aware of the problems on our roads and wish they could do more to address them.
“We should all be grateful for the important work they do to keep our community safer.”
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