Cardiff Communities First have teamed up with Cardiff East Neighbourhood Policing Team, Cardiff Council Park services and Halfords to offer bicycles in exchange for off road-vehicles as part of a new initiative to reduce the number of off-road bikes being illegally ridden in and around the area.
Residents who live in Trowbridge, St Mellons, Llanrumney and Rumney are being given the opportunity to take part in an exchange scheme where they can swap their off-road vehicle or quad bike in return for a mountain bike and accessories.
A week-long amnesty will be held from August 23 to August 29 when residents can call a designated hotline to report their vehicle. The police will then check the vehicle satisfies the terms and conditions – it must be worth an equivalent value to the voucher issued – and will arrange to collect the vehicle from the home address of the person reporting it. Proof of address and ownership of the vehicle will be required. When the vehicle has been inspected and approved, a voucher will be issued.
The scheme is being made possible thanks to funding from the Community Safety Partnership Neighbourhood Management programme and Communities First while Halfords are supplying vouchers for the equipment at a reduced rate.
The hotline number to report the vehicle is: 029 2022 2111 ext 31310.
Executive Member for Communities, Housing and Social Justice, Cllr Judith Woodman, said: “This is a really constructive way of addressing what can be a very negative issue for many residents in the East of Cardiff, including owners and users of off-road vehicles. It is very important to offer people a beneficial alternative to surrendering their off-road vehicle to promote positivity and to help contribute to a happy, safe community.
“We have to recognise the importance of partnership work within this project and with Communities First, Parks Services, the Police, Halfords and the Cardiff East neighbourhood management group all working together, we hope to increase people’s confidence in their local services.”
Inspector Lisa Gore from the Cardiff East Neighbourhood Policing Team said: ”The illegal use of off-road motorcycles and quads causes misery to many residents of Cardiff East. The issue is continually brought up at PACT meetings and we receive many calls every week in relation to it.
“These bikes and quads can be very dangerous, posing a risk to the riders and pedestrians as well as disturbing the quality of life for residents. We have already seized numerous bikes using our powers, issued warnings and prosecuted riders. This amnesty is another way of helping to get these bikes out of the community.
“We often find that people buy these motorbikes or quad bikes without fully understanding the law surrounding where and when they can be used. They don’t realise the negative impact they have on other residents’ lives. When reality sets in they often regret ever buying them.
“This scheme has never been tried before within the South Wales Police area, and we hope that local residents see it as a great opportunity to get themselves or their child a legal bike and safety equipment, without spending an extra penny. If the scheme is successful the quality of many residents’ lives will improve.”
To find out more or hand in a vehicle during amnesty week contact: 02920 222111 ext 31310
People interested in taking part in this scheme can also do so by emailing [email protected]
