The regional roads policing team – one of the first of its kind – has been set up by West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and Humberside Police to deny criminals the use of the roads and tackle offenders who cross force boundaries.

It plans to specifically target serious and organised crime and security threats, and reduce death and injury on the region's highways following its official launch on Wednesday, September 17.

The team, made up of more than 25 officers, costs several million pounds and will use automated number plate recognition systems and other state-of-the-art technology.

The joined-up approach, which will also link in with the Highways Agency, was put to the test last September as part of the Maximum Impact on Crime campaign, which aimed to deny criminals the use of the roads. It resulted in dozens of arrests, the recovery of drugs and the seizure of more than 50 uninsured vehicles.

The team will operate from three locations in Wakefield, Sheffield and Tadcaster. A fourth base in Humberside is expected to open later in the year.

South Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Meredydd Hughes said: "All four forces are committed to targeting serious criminals and saving lives on our roads."

Chief Inspector Mick Hunter, who heads the new team, said: "If you are a criminal who moves from one force area to another to commit crimes then you can expect us to come after you.

"The difference is that this team are not traffic officers looking for people committing traffic offences. This team is looking for people who specifically use the region's road networks to commit crimes – be that a burglary in Barnsley or drug dealers using the M1."