Motorists warned of police powers

Motorists are being warned that if they drive without a valid licence or insurance, they will have their vehicle seized by West Yorkshire Police.

If caught, offenders have seven days to produce the relevant papers to recover their car or see it sold or scrapped.

Any money raised will be used to cover removal and storage costs.

Ch Insp Gary Parker said they had seized 7,500 uninsured vehicles in the past year, many of which were used as pool cars for crime.

"We have seen up to a 40% reduction in volume crime across the county in the areas we have worked so far," he said.

"This is a good reduction which helps to make communities locally feel safer and more secure."

Officers are also working with the DVLA on a scheme to recover untaxed cars that will be piloted in the new year and, if successful, adopted across the force.