MEMBERS of Keighley Town Council have pledged more financial backing for a long-running police operation aimed at tackling anti-social and illegal driving in Keighley and Bradford.

The council has again decided to provide match funding to West Yorkshire Police for Operation Steerside, which has been catching dangerous and irresponsible drivers across Bradford District since February 2016.

Since its inception more than 13,000 tickets have been issued to motorists for committing one of what police describe as the “fatal four” offences.

These include driving under the influence of drink or drugs, speeding, not wearing a seat belt, or driving while using a mobile phone.

Also among the 13,000 plus tickets have been penalties against motorists for driving anti-socially or dangerously. So far, more than 1,000 vehicles have been seized as part of Steerside.

The operation was stepped up in Keighley in August of this year after the town council agreed to match £10,000 of Proceeds of Crime Act funding.

The council has now pledged a further £10,000 in a show of continued support for Operation Steerside, which has since August seized 47 uninsured vehicles and issued more than 300 tickets for various motoring related offences in the Keighley area.

Police inspector Khalid Khan, who leads the Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are delighted that Keighley Town Council has again pledged to support our ongoing work to make the town’s roads safer.

“This funding will be used for further operations to tackle those who drive dangerously or illegally, or use vehicles in an anti-social way.”

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s police and crime commissioner, said: “Improving road safety is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan and Operation Steerside continues to see impressive results in tackling offenders on our roads across the Bradford district.

“It is fantastic to see extra matched funding being offered to assist the initiative in Keighley.

“This is a very timely boost with road safety week starting on November 19. The week is championed by the West Yorkshire based national charity Brake and I would urge everyone to get involved where they can to help improve road safety.”

Councillor Michael Westerman, of Keighley Town Council, added: “As the chairman of the council’s watch and transport committee I have had many complaints regarding the standard of driving in Keighley.

“This request to support Operation Steerside was put to full council and was unanimously voted for. I look forward to seeing this operation continue with great success.”