As the weather gets warmer, police and council teams in Sandwell have warned that off-road vehicles, including motorbikes, could be seized and crushed if they are used illegally.
Sandwell Police and Sandwell Council are jointly tackling nuisance caused by the illegal use of these vehicles, which include motocross, trial and endurance bikes, mini motos, quad bikes, electric scooters and any other mechanically propelled vehicle.
Bikes are being seized and CCTV footage used to identify hotspots and track down people who are riding illegally and dangerously, putting themselves and others at risk.West Midlands police officers have been equipped with DNA spray to ‘tag’ motorbikes and riders causing anti-social behaviour in the community. For more information, visit the West Midlands Police website.
The police and council are also raising awareness through school talks as well as installing equipment at key locations to prevent illegal bike access.
Reports of nuisance off-road bikes to the police and council have been rising. A resident awareness campaign has been running, resulting in an improvement in the quality of information being received.
Sandwell’s Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector, Paul Griffiths, said:
“As we head into summer and the weather improves, we expect a rise in outside activities, including the use of off-road bikes. However, it is illegal to ride these bikes through any public spaces, including parks, play areas and on pavements, as this is dangerous for anyone who wants to use these spaces safely.
“Officers are continuing to carry out activity in hotspot areas across Sandwell as we tackle the menace and dangers of off-road bikes. Our teams have already made some seizures and we’ll continue to act on any information we receive to prevent illegal riding and keep people safe.”
Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Sandwell Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, said:
“We are determined to make sure that our residents can enjoy our parks and other outside spaces safely this summer, without being put at risk by the illegal use of off-road motorbikes.
“If you were thinking of using your off-road bike in the warmer weather, please ensure that you are using it legally, safely and with the permission of the landowner. If you don’t follow the rules, your bike could be seized and crushed.”
Residents are encouraged to report nuisance motorbikes as incidents are happening to the police, either by calling 101, via Live Chat on West Midlands Police’s website or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or report via the Crimestoppers website.
Or report bike nuisance online to Sandwell Council – please include details such as vehicle registration information and a description of the bike or rider (such as the colour of the bike and clothing).
The law relating to off-road vehicles:
- Off-road bikes are classed as motor vehicles and as such must be constructed to a specific standard in order to be ridden on a public highway. The majority of off-road bikes which are used in an anti-social manner in Sandwell do not meet these standards.
- Off-road bikes must also have the following to be used legally on a public highway:
- A log book and be registered with the DVLA
- Road tax
- A valid MOT
- Be fitted with lights
- Be fitted with registration plates
The riders must also:
- Be aged 17 or over (16 if the vehicle is classified as a moped)
- Hold a valid driving licence
- Have valid motor insurance
- Wear suitable safety equipment (i.e., a helmet)
Where the conditions above are not met it is illegal to use an off-road motorbike on the road. It is the responsibility of the rider to know the law and an offence can be committed under the Road Traffic Act (1998) and the Police Reform Act (2002).
Off-road bikers must have the permission of the landowner to ride on private land. It’s illegal to ride an off-road bike on any land not forming part of a road or any road which is a footpath or bridleway without the landowner’s permission.
Even if permission is gained, if the person is riding dangerously or carelessly, they could be prosecuted.