Drivers have cars seized for shouting at women through window
Vehicles have been seized and fines awarded as part of a new crackdown in one major UK city.
A number of cars have been seized from drivers as part of a major driving law crackdown to stop motorists from catcalling female runners.
A total of four cars have been seized by officers with five fines also handed out in recent months.
The JogOn Initiative, run by Bradford City Council and West Yorkshire Police, is addressing the issue to keep more females safe.
The new scheme was launched back in March after fresh data painted a staggering picture of UK streets.
A report from Runners World magazine found that a whopping 60 percent of female runners experience some sort of harassment.
According to analysis, it has mostly been men calling to women and girls from the side of the street in their cars.
Alongside seizing vehicles and handing out fines, officers have also prodded active bystander training.
Around 600 people have benefited from the advice which encourages individuals to “actively intervene when they witness an incident".
Ch Insp Beth Pagnillo said: “I hope that by calling out this behaviour it shows that we are taking the issue seriously and makes men think twice about making these types of comments.”
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Bradford City Council has a Public Space Protection Order in pace which specifically prohibits a range of anti-social behaviour.
They warn that “Shouting, swearing at, or abusing, threatening or intimidating another person – including using sexual language or making sexual suggestions from a vehicle” is not allowed.
Anyone breaking the rules will be slapped with a hefty £1,000 fine or a Fixed Penalty Notice.
Safer Bradford claimed many women “feel scared and intimidated” with some already being “forced” to look onto different running routes.
They commented: “We know that harassment is a widespread concern across the district.
“Most runners have accepted it as the norm and not reported it to the police, as they didn’t feel it would be taken seriously.
“But we want people to report these incidents. We will listen and we will act.”
A spokesperson for Bradford City Council said: “It is clear from officers talking to offenders, that many think shouting out of vehicles and pipping horns is not harassment.
"In fact, one of the males who was stopped even stated he was 'encouraging the females to run'."
