War on off-roaders (From Gazette)

War on off-roaders

11:00am Monday 28th September 2009 in

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NEW signs have gone up to warn off-road bikers to steer clear of a Colchester business park.

They are being reminded their bikes could be confiscated if they continue to annoy residents.

PC Henri Hurst and PC Mike Lee, from Colchester police, joined forces with Colchester Council’s antisocial behaviour team, Stanway Neighbourhood Action Panel and the landowner at the Tollgate Shopping Centre, Stanway, to get the signs up.

PC Henri Hurst said: “Stanway has a historic problem with off-road vehicles, which includes scrambler bikes and quad bikes, being used illegally and antisocially.

“The problem is particularly acute in summer when complaints to the police and councillors about noise, nuisance and mayhem are at their highest.

“Residents are tired of the illegal activity of this minority, so they brought this problem to the attention of Stanway’s Neighbourhood Action Panel.”

She continued: “Many of the owners of the bikes are unaware of the acute danger they are putting themselves in.

“The land has not been designated for this purpose and is, therefore, very dangerous.

“We want to send a clear message to the owners of the bikes this activity is illegal and we will be taking positive action.

“Section 59 and 60 of the Police Reform Act gives police the authority to warn off-roaders and seize bikes used in a manner causing harassment, alarm and distress.”

Following a number of meetings with local landowners, the idea was mooted to install signs around the Tollgate wasteland area warning police would be taking firm action against anyone caught.

Officers hope other landowners will follow the example. Tim Young, councillor responsible for street and waste services, said: “The council, police and landowner have worked hard together to ensure residents will no longer suffer noise and litter generated by off-road bikers in this area.

“I understand other landowners are now looking to join the scheme, to further protect their land and residents, supported by increased police patrols.”