Since 1st April this year, Police Officers in Newport have been targeting illegal off-road riders, in an operation that will run throughout the summer months. Calls relating to off-roading have previously increased in Newport during the summer but this year, Neighbourhood Sergeant John Davies, who’s overseeing the operation, decided to take action early: “With the warmer weather back in April, it was important that we let off-road bikers know that this type of behaviour would not be tolerated in Newport.”
And this is exactly what they did! By focussing mainly on the Bettws, Malpas, Duffryn and Beechwood areas, where the majority of issues are reported, the following results have been achieved in the first three months:
- One teenager from Newport was sentenced to twelve weeks imprisonment and banned from driving for two years, after being spotted driving on pavements by a Bettws PCSO.
- Four people arrested for off-road motoring offences
- Nineteen off-road bikes have been impounded and crushed
- Twenty Section 59 notices have been issued. This is a legal warning that states if the driver is found driving anti-socially again within the next twelve months, the police have the power to seize the vehicle.
- Six people reported for no license and insurance
- Eleven Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABC) issued. This is a document signed by an individual where they agree to behave in an acceptable way. If they break this contract, an Anti-Social Behaviour Order or injunction may be gained from the court.
- A reduction in calls reporting off-road bikes by almost 47%
Although delighted with the results to date, Sergeant John Davies is keen to stress that this is an on-going operation: “There are very few places in Newport where it is actually legal for off-roaders to ride. Parks and residential areas are strictly off limits and drivers are often unaware that they need a full driving licence, tax, MOT and insurance to make their bikes roadworthy.
“I would urge any parent thinking of allowing their child to ride an off-road bike this summer, to think again. We will be monitoring this and ask the general public to report off-roaders by calling us on 101.”
