By KLTV Newsdesk – 

Police and partner agencies have seized e-scooters, an uninsured car and taken action against dozens of drivers during a two-day operation targeting dangerous and anti-social driving in Huddersfield town centre.

The Huddersfield Town Centre Team has warned that further operations are planned after officers seized four e-scooters being ridden dangerously and illegally in the town centre.

The two-day operation began on Monday as police and partner agencies stepped up efforts to make Huddersfield’s streets safer as part of a series of summer enforcement operations.

Alongside the four e-scooters, officers seized an uninsured car and dealt with 13 motorists whose vehicles were either defective or being driven illegally.

The offences included five motorists who were not wearing seatbelts, while four vehicles were found to have defects.

Taxi and goods vehicle checks

Kirklees Council taxi licensing officers also took part in the operation, checking 23 taxis.

Two rectification notices were issued for vehicle faults, while two taxi drivers were warned for failing to wear their identification badges.

DVSA officers also suspended the licences of three goods vehicles because of various defects.

The operation forms part of increased enforcement activity across Huddersfield and Dewsbury town centres, with proactive and plain-clothes patrols being carried out throughout the summer to deter offending.

More than 60 arrests were made in July alone as part of a wider crackdown on town centre crime.

Increased patrols over bank holiday weekend

High-visibility patrols will continue in both town centres over the bank holiday weekend, with officers aiming to reassure businesses, shoppers and pedestrians.

Sergeant Graham Watson, of the Kirklees Proactive Town Centre Team, said: “Officers from the town centre teams have had a busy summer so far and we have this week renewed our focus on offending on our roads.

“We know the anti-social use of e-scooters has been a particular concern and have focussed on persons seen riding them anti-socially.

“Four bikes were seized on Monday after they were seen being ridden in an illegal manner in the town centre, and a number of other drivers were also dealt with by our officers and partners.

“It was pleasing to see that of the 23 taxis checked, the majority were complying with taxi licensing and road safety legislation in providing an important service to the public.”

Police urge public to report concerns

Sergeant Watson added: “Our enhanced patrols in both town centres are continuing and we also continue to urge people to come forward and report offending.

“If you have information about criminal or anti-social activity in either town, then please get in touch to assist us in putting resources where they need to be.“

Information can be reported to police on 101, online via the West Yorkshire Police LiveChat service, or anonymously through the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.