PEOPLE living on the fringes of Huddersfield's red-light district have demanded action to kick out the kerb-crawlers.

Residents of parts of Hillhouse say they are plagued by motorists cruising the streets looking for sex.

Local councillors have now urged police to take action - including confiscating the cars of persistent offenders.

Councillors believe new powers given to police could be used to stop the kerb-crawlers.

They could have their cars confiscated and their driving licences seized.

The radical new proposals are being suggested by Labour councillors in a sweeping bid to slash vice.

If given the go-ahead, the scheme would be the first of its kind in the country to aggressively target kerb-crawlers.

Labour councillors are suggesting that the police take legal advice to see how legislation from two laws - the Police Reform Act and the Anti-Social Behaviour Act - can be applied to fight the rogue motorists and drive them from Kirklees.

Local councillor and Labour group leader Mehboob Khan said: "It's something the police must look at. We want them to see whether it's viable to use these laws to stop drivers from kerb-crawling.

"One part of the action would be the seizure of anyone's vehicle if he is caught kerb-crawling and deemed to be causing nuisance, anxiety and anguish to residents.

"Also, when the drivers go to court, magistrates could disqualify them from driving and confiscate their licences.

"Many residents have complained about this problem," said Clr Khan.

"We are asking the police to actively pursue those men who persist with their activities which add to this problem, which has blighted Alder Street and Great Northern Street for years."

One mother, who asked not to be named, said: "It is getting worse. Cars drive round and round the area and they slow down. It is very unnerving.

"It is also a worry, because a lot of us have children and we want them to feel safe when they are out of the house.

"No-one feels safe if these people are cruising the area."

A police spokesman said any plan to improve community safety would be investigated.