New driving law changes to see motorists fined £1,000 for 'catcalling and making offensive comments'
Drivers can be fined £1,000 for harassing female joggers under the new initiative
GETTY
A new initiative has been launched to crack down on motorists who harass females on the street, which could see drivers hit with massive fines.
The new JogOn campaign has been launched by Safer Bradford to crack down on the harassment of female runners and joggers.
Recent data from Runner's World magazine found that three in five female joggers experience some form of harassment when out, particularly from men in cars.
As a result of the harassment, many women have been forced to travel along alternative routes or change the time they go out.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
Inspector Nick Haigh said the police would take these matters seriously
YOUTUBE/BRADFORD COUNCIL
Some of the most common forms of harassment from motorists include catcalling, people making offensive comments, and occasionally physical harassment.
The new JogOn campaign has been created through the Safer Bradford partnership to clamp down on the issues seen in the District.
The partnership - which includes Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police and the NHS - acknowledges how harassment is a widespread concern for many female runners.
It is hoped the changes will help to make women feel more safe when out jogging by pledging to "listen and act" to complaints.
Bradford Council has a Public Space Protection Order, which bans the use of anti-social use of vehicles and can see motorists hit with a Fixed Penalty Notice or £1,000 fine.
This includes "shouting, swearing at, or abusing, threatening or intimidating another person – including using sexual language or making sexual suggestions" from a vehicle.
The Safer Bradford partnership wants to remove the stigma around reporting these kinds of incidents to the police.
Inspector Nick Haigh, Neighbourhood Support and Partnerships at Bradford District Police, said the force was "not willing to accept" any anti-social behaviour.
He added: "We'll be working closely with running clubs, attending park runs and other events to raise awareness of this new initiative and to encourage women to report instances to our colleagues at the Council so they can be addressed.
"We'll also be delivering active bystander training to regular runners across the district to empower them to know how to intervene or what to do when an incident happens when they're out running."
Similarly, Assia Hussain, Safety of Women and Girls Lead at Bradford Council, said she would be working with key players to develop a district-based plan to ensure the safety of female residents.
Superintendent Beth Pagnillo, from Bradford District Police, highlighted the issues that running groups around the country have been highlighting.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Britons issued urgent warning when driving over the next few weeks amid 'increased risk of a collision'
- Major driving law changes set to launch within months could see Britons slapped with £1,000 fine
- Drivers see massive car insurance price drop for first time in years - 'Respite we've all been waiting for'
Assia Hussain will be working with residents to ensure the anti-social behaviour is removed from the streets
YOUTUBE/BRADFORD COUNCIL
She added: "As a casual runner myself there have been instances previously where I've been subjected to unacceptable behaviours, such as cars slowing down, men beeping their horns and comments being shouted out of the window.
"Equally, running past groups at shops and in parks can elicit unwanted attention. Whilst these incidents in isolation may not seem serious, when they become a regular occurrence, it can have a significant impact."