BRADFORD district has the highest proportion of disqualified drivers in the UK, new figures reveal.

The DVLA data shows that one in every 191 drivers in the district is currently banned from getting behind the wheel.

This compares to an average of one in 431 across the UK.

Motorists can be disqualified from driving if they accumulate 12 points or more on their licence, or if they are convicted of a driving offence.

In total, more than 2,000 people in Bradford district are currently disqualified from driving, out of 445,000 licence holders.

The data was obtained through a Freedom of Information request by Dayinsure, a motor insurance company.

Liverpool has the second-highest proportion of banned drivers, followed by Teesside, Newport and Wakefield.

Nicholas Shaw, director of operations at Dayinsure, said: “While the vast majority of UK motorists comply with the law, it is still alarming to see that so many motorists have been disqualified from driving due to dangerous and careless driving.

“The data highlights how vital it is for motorists to take extra care and attention when driving, as you never know what other road users might be doing – you sadly cannot just assume that others will drive as carefully as you would.

“Our final piece of advice would be to ensure that you are fully insured in case worse comes to worse and you are involved in an accident.”

West Yorkshire Police say they are committed to tackling anti-social, dangerous or illegal vehicle use across the area.

They launched Operation Steerside, to crack down on law-flouting motorists, in 2016.

It initially focused on enforcement against the so-called ‘fatal four’ – speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, drink and drug driving and using a mobile phone at the wheel – but its area of work has expanded.

Officers operate across the district, and have staged several enforcement activities in Keighley.

A spokesperson says: "Set up as a multi-agency partnership, Operation Steerside is part of the district’s ongoing commitment to crack down on anti-social use of motor vehicles and dangerous driving.

"The partnership, which consists of representatives from Bradford Council, the police, education sector and fire service, is committed to listening to community concerns and taking positive action to ensure the roads are safer for residents and those who visit the district."

During a day of action staged earlier this year, 33 vehicles were seized and 69 drivers dealt with.