Motorists face fines and driving bans after 101 offences uncovered in major police crackdown

Dozens of motorists have been warned of prosecution after a major road safety crackdown across Kirklees uncovered serious offences.

West Yorkshire Police revealed that 101 drivers were reported for offences during less than four weeks of targeted patrols on local roads.

The operation, known as Operation Trimburg, was carried out by Kirklees Police and the Roads Policing Unit throughout July.

Officers targeted several areas, including Dewsbury, Mirfield, Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike, Liversedge, Gomersal and the Holme Valley.

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Police said local residents played an important role in helping officers identify areas where dangerous and illegal driving was causing concern.

The most common offence was failing to wear a seatbelt, with 43 drivers caught without one, which can come with a fine of up to £500.

Six motorists were stopped for using a mobile phone while driving, which attracts six penalty points and a £200 fine.

Five people were reported for driving without due care and attention. The penalty ranges from a fixed fine and penalty points to a larger fine, more points or a driving ban in more serious cases.

Officers also found 15 vehicles without a valid MOT, which can lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

If the vehicle is being driven in a dangerous condition, the penalty can be much higher, including a fine of up to £2,500, three penalty points and a possible driving ban.

Other offences uncovered during the operation included speeding, uninsured driving, drug-related offences and vehicles with dangerous or defective parts.

The crackdown began on July 2, with officers responding to information provided by members of the public.

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Patrols were carried out in Meltham on July 7, Cleckheaton on July 8 and Heckmondwike on July 13. Dewsbury and Mirfield received the most attention, with enforcement operations taking place on six separate dates.

Officers used both fixed checkpoints and mobile patrols to identify motorists breaking the law, with all drivers caught now facing prosecution.

Inspector Liz Lockwood, from the Dewsbury and Mirfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, said the operation was created in response to concerns raised by local people.

She said: "Operation Trimburg was established to provide a dedicated and long-term response about poor driving in parts of Kirklees."

She also urged residents to continue reporting dangerous driving in their communities.

"That information can be key in making sure these patrols are where they are most needed and taking action against those posing a danger to other road users," she added.

Operation Trimburg focused on tackling the "Fatal 5" offences, namely speeding, drink and drug driving, using a mobile phone behind the wheel, careless driving and failing to wear a seatbelt.

The operation forms part of the force's wider commitment to Vision Zero, a road safety strategy aimed at eliminating deaths and serious injuries on roads across the region.

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