Police Aim To Reduce Number Of Driving Offences And Accidents
Police and council officials in Leeds are hoping to reduce the number of motoring
offences and accidents by targeting young people who use petrol powered scooters.
By launching Operation Pit Stop officials hope that the number of young people involved in driving offences will be reduced and that this will in turn help make the roads in the West Yorkshire area safer for everyone.
The campaign has been launched in a response to the rising numbers of motoring offences that have led to over 70 young bikers being killed or seriously injured in the last three years.
Last week, police officers and Leeds City Council officials visited schools in the area to educate young drivers and motor cycle riders about the importance of road safety and the importance of avoiding motoring offences by driving according to set legal requirements.
As part of the initiative, police have also been stopping young riders out on the streets to inspect their vehicles and protective clothing. They have also been setting up pit stops in areas known to police for high levels of anti-social behaviour.
In a period of only three days, nine vehicles have been seized by police due to them being either unlicensed or their riders driving without insurance.
Speaking to The Yorkshire Evening Post, Chief Superintendent Ian Whitehouse from the North West Leeds Division claimed that this campaign is vital in helping young riders and drivers stay safe on the road.
He said: The casualty figures speak for themselves in terms of showing why it is so important to get the message across to this particular audience.
We want young riders to understand why it is vitally important to wear the correct protective equipment, keep their vehicles properly maintained and undergo proper training before heading out on the roads.