This is Bristol --
POLICE in Hartcliffe are to launch spot-checks on teenage bikers – in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.
The move follows increasing concern about the number of motorbikes being stolen and ridden by young people.
Police are warning that spot- checks will be held this week and anyone found riding a bike in a dangerous condition, without a helmet or in an anti-social manner risk being banned from the roads immediately.
The crackdown is being held as part of Operation Torque which aims to encourage motorbike and moped riders to take more care on the roads as the nights draw in this autumn.
There have been 11 serious incidents involving motorcycles in the past seven weeks, including six fatalities and four serious injuries.
Police hope to educate riders about keeping safe and not endangering other road users.
Roads Policing Unit motorcyclists, neighbourhood beat officers and staff from VOSA, the government's Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, will be targeting riders and car drivers and checking their vehicles to ensure they area legal and roadworthy.
Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: "The increase in motorbike and mopeds deaths is concerning.
"The more we can do to raise awareness, educate riders and young people the better we can prevent fatalities and serious injury on our roads in the future. Residents have spoken to me about a variety of road safety issues they are concerned about and this is reflected in the local police and crime plans.
"It's important that all road users take care when on the road, but in particular motorbike and moped users."
Police are called out regularly to complaints of teenagers riding off-road motorcycles on the Dundry slopes and through the estates of Hartcliffe.
The problem with nuisance bikers has been a historic one over the years in south Bristol which is surrounded by large areas of open countryside.
Police have the power to issue a section 59 notice to anyone riding off road illegally or causing a nuisance.
A warning is issued which lasts 12 months and if caught again the rider risks having their bike seized.
Police can also seize bikes immediately which are being ridden illegally and all warnings are recorded on the police national computer.
Bishopsworth Inspector Nigel Colston said: "This is an opportunity to send a strong road safety message to all motorcyclists across Avon and Somerset.
"In Hartcliffe we have a particular issue with motorbikes being stolen and ridden by young people, often with no helmets.
"We will be stopping and checking any vehicles we see that are in a dangerous condition or are being driven in an anti-social manner.
"We will take enforcement action against any offenders, including banning them immediately from the roads." Reported by This is 1 day ago.
POLICE in Hartcliffe are to launch spot-checks on teenage bikers – in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.
The move follows increasing concern about the number of motorbikes being stolen and ridden by young people.
Police are warning that spot- checks will be held this week and anyone found riding a bike in a dangerous condition, without a helmet or in an anti-social manner risk being banned from the roads immediately.
The crackdown is being held as part of Operation Torque which aims to encourage motorbike and moped riders to take more care on the roads as the nights draw in this autumn.
There have been 11 serious incidents involving motorcycles in the past seven weeks, including six fatalities and four serious injuries.
Police hope to educate riders about keeping safe and not endangering other road users.
Roads Policing Unit motorcyclists, neighbourhood beat officers and staff from VOSA, the government's Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, will be targeting riders and car drivers and checking their vehicles to ensure they area legal and roadworthy.
Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: "The increase in motorbike and mopeds deaths is concerning.
"The more we can do to raise awareness, educate riders and young people the better we can prevent fatalities and serious injury on our roads in the future. Residents have spoken to me about a variety of road safety issues they are concerned about and this is reflected in the local police and crime plans.
"It's important that all road users take care when on the road, but in particular motorbike and moped users."
Police are called out regularly to complaints of teenagers riding off-road motorcycles on the Dundry slopes and through the estates of Hartcliffe.
The problem with nuisance bikers has been a historic one over the years in south Bristol which is surrounded by large areas of open countryside.
Police have the power to issue a section 59 notice to anyone riding off road illegally or causing a nuisance.
A warning is issued which lasts 12 months and if caught again the rider risks having their bike seized.
Police can also seize bikes immediately which are being ridden illegally and all warnings are recorded on the police national computer.
Bishopsworth Inspector Nigel Colston said: "This is an opportunity to send a strong road safety message to all motorcyclists across Avon and Somerset.
"In Hartcliffe we have a particular issue with motorbikes being stolen and ridden by young people, often with no helmets.
"We will be stopping and checking any vehicles we see that are in a dangerous condition or are being driven in an anti-social manner.
"We will take enforcement action against any offenders, including banning them immediately from the roads." Reported by This is 1 day ago.