Crackdown on off-road bikes in Tunstall a proven success

Police in Tunstall are continuing to take a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to riders of illegal road-bikes as reports in the area more than halved.

Between 1 April 2009 and 1 October 2009, there were 290 reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB) relating to noise/nuisance vehicles across the Tunstall Neighbourhood Policing Unit (NPU) area.

But this figure fell between 1 April 2010 and 1 October 2010 to 123.

Tackling the nuisance vehicles is now part of daily business for officers, who target riders who abuse the town’s open spaces and greenways.

Off-road bikes, motorised scooters and mini motos used to be a real nuisance in the area - resulting in numerous reports of anti-social behaviour from local residents and businesses - but an ongoing campaign to crackdown on them is working.

The ‘Use it and lose it’ message to those using illegal bikes was launched in the area last year, and will continue indefinitely.

Officers from Tunstall are continuing to work with colleagues from the force’s Road Policing Team and Stoke-on-Trent City Council to clamp down on those who use off-road bikes.

Inspector Mark Hardern, commander of Tunstall NPU, said: “Off-road bikes cause significant noise nuisance and can be a danger to people using the greenways and open spaces.

“Anti-social behaviour of this kind will not be tolerated, and officers will take appropriate action. We do have the power to seize and crush bikes being used illegally.

“As a result of our continued efforts to tackle nuisance vehicles we have seen a significant reduction in the number of incidents reported to us, and many positive comments from residents who have noticed the difference.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind people to be responsible this Christmas and not spend money on something which could be taken off their children.”

Councillor Ross Irving, city council cabinet member for community safety, partnerships and the local strategic partnership, said: “These bikes have posed a big problem to the community in Tunstall. It’s important parents who may be thinking of buying bikes like these for their children at Christmas realise both how dangerous they can be and how much of a nuisance they can be to other residents.”

Anyone found riding such vehicles illegally will receive an official warning under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act.

If the same person is found riding a vehicle in similar circumstances a second time it may be seized, whether they own the vehicle or not.

To get the vehicle back people face a £150 charge for removal, plus additional daily storage costs.

In law the bikes are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles - the same as a full size road motorbike. The minimum age to use them is 16 and riders require all the normal documentation including a driving licence, MOT and insurance.

It is illegal to use the bikes on any public land, and land owned by the local authority, including greenways and parks, and any private land - unless you have the owner’s permission.

Anyone who wishes to report ASB should contact their local police officer on 0300 123 44 55 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.