POLICE seized more than 15,000 vehicles last year in an attempt to help make roads safer as the amount of fatal collisions continue to rise.

Figures from the Department for Transport reveal there were 509 road casualties in Barnsley in 2023, an 18 per cent rise from 430 the year before, while nine people lost their lives.

To tackle this, officers have seized 15,636 vehicles across the county in an attempt to make roads safer.

Of those seized, 3,719 were seized after being reported stolen and located, 1,399 were seized for being involved in crime, 284 were seized for being involved in serious or fatal road traffic collisions and 4,098 were seized for having no insurance.

Research and SYP officers’ experience shows that those who drive with no insurance or in stolen vehicles are more likely to take risks on our roads, including speeding, driving under the influence, and evading police action.

Other seizures included vehicle burnout, those involved in ‘fail to stop’ pursuits, being abandoned or for Driving Vehicle Licensing Agency offences.

Inspector, Matt Collings said: “Sadly, last year in 2024, 48 people lost their lives on the roads of South Yorkshire, with our officers then having to inform their families that their loved one has died, and their lives have changed forever.

“We are committed to creating safer roads to reduce the number of people who lose their life or become seriously injured, but it takes effort from everyone.

“A lot of people think it won’t happen to them and that they’re a safe driver, but a fatal collision can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time; you can’t be responsible for other people’s actions and it’s imperative we remove vehicles from those who pose a risk.

“We are often met with criticism when we stop someone for speeding, or no insurance but the reality is, a routine traffic stop can uncover much more serious crimes.

“Speeding drivers can be uninsured, and drink and drug drivers can be driving stolen or cloned vehicles.”