By KLTV Newsdesk –

Police operation targets speeding, uninsured cars and the ‘fatal five’ driving offences

More than 950 dangerous drivers have been prosecuted and 60 vehicles seized in the first six months of a major road safety initiative in Kirklees.

Operation Trimburg, run by Kirklees Police and the force’s specialist Roads Policing Unit, has been stepped up this year following successful trials in Dewsbury, Batley and Spen in 2024.

From March 2025, the scheme was rolled out across the entire district.

Hundreds of Offenders Caught

Between March and August, officers issued 953 traffic offence reports for violations including speeding, using mobile phones at the wheel, driving without due care and attention, and defective tyres.

Police also seized 60 vehicles for offences such as being uninsured, stolen, untaxed, or involved in anti-social driving.

In addition, 12 motorists were arrested for offences including drug driving, drink driving and theft.

Tackling the ‘Fatal Five’

Operation Trimburg is focused on the ‘fatal five’ offences – described as the main causes of serious and fatal road incidents. These include:

• Speeding

• Not wearing a seatbelt

• Drink and drug driving

• Using a mobile phone while driving

• Careless driving

The initiative has received backing from local councillors and has seen increased police patrols across communities, targeting both vehicles and drivers posing risks to public safety.

Commitment to Vision Zero

West Yorkshire Police says the crackdown supports Vision Zero, a road safety ambition developed with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while making local roads safer and more accessible.

Chief Inspector Rebecca Calpin of Kirklees District Police said: “We know from speaking with residents and councillors that Operation Trimburg was very well received in its first year operating in Dewsbury, Mirfield, and Batley and Spen.

“We were really pleased to be able to widen it further across Kirklees for 2025, and the figures show these extra patrols and operations are having an impact.

“We know dangerous driving or riding, drug or drink driving, and the use of unsafe vehicles can kill, and that is why we are continuing these patrols and taking this action.

“Communities don’t want to see uninsured cars, speeding or any kind of illegal driving on their roads, and I thank residents for continuing to contact us with intelligence about such offences taking place.”

‘No Illusions’

Chief Inspector James Farrar, head of West Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit, added: “Drivers must be under no illusions that if they speed, drive carelessly, do not use a seatbelt, use a mobile while driving, or drive under the influence of drink and drugs and are caught, they will be prosecuted.

“With winter weather on the horizon for the months ahead, it is even more important that road users use their vehicles safely as road conditions become challenging.

“We will continue to do all we can to educate and, where necessary, enforce safer motoring.”