POLICE took action against dozens of drivers in Yeadon in a day-long operation targetting the “fatal 4” motoring offences.

The clampdown on May 11 involved a team of 16, including neighbourhood police officers, specials, traffic officers and off road bikers. Speed indicator devices were deployed on Cemetery Road, Victoria Avenue, Green Lane and Henshaw Lane, and nine mobile police vehicles were out in the town.

Operation Amberland focussed on speeding, use of mobile phones, drink or drug driving and failing to wear seat belts.

Dozens of drivers were caught by police - including one who was eating chips, with a plate in one hand and a fork in the other.

A total of 42 were issued with speed warning letters, eight drivers were caught using mobiles. Two vehicles were seized because the drivers did not have a licence, insurance or tax. Four motorists were issued with fixed penalty notices for incorrect number plates, or seatbelts and no MOT.

One person was arrested for dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, possession of a bladed article and failure to provide a specimen. Another person was found in possession of cannabis.

One motorist was reported for driving without insurance, and 12 breath tests were administered - although all were negative.

Writing on Facebook a police spokesman said: “We will be having more days of action like this in the coming weeks in different area’s covered by the Outer North West Policing team.”

Otley and Yeadon ward councillor Sandy Lay said: “I’d like to say how pleased ward members are that Yeadon and Rawdon areas officer PC Matt Long undertook this Action Day. This follows concerns raised, not just by Yeadon’s councillors, but by local residents as well, about the ‘Fatal 4’ and how it impacts on their daily lives.

“I’m sure everyone joins me in thanking the Police and their various partners in undertaking this high visibility operation and I’m assured there are more planned for other parts of the Leeds outer north west area.”

He said councillors received a lot of complaints about speeding and ‘joyriding’ particularly on Cemetery Road and Henshaw Lane and that this was one of the outer north west priorities for Yeadon and Rawdon.