Nuisance riders face having bikes seized
Reporter: DAWN MARSDEN
Date published: 08 December 2009
Photo: Darren Robinson
CHURNED — damage at Pule Hill, Stanedge, caused by illegal riders
CAUGHT on camera — these young bikers were snapped riding illegally and tearing up the land at Pule Hill in Stanedge.
The group raced around the grassy hills and valleys without a second thought for the land.
Insp Danny Milovanovic, of the Saddleworth and Lees Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “It is illegal to ride mini-motos on public roads and in other public places.
“The only place where they can be ridden legally is on private land with the permission of the owner or at a legitimate club.
“Anyone caught riding one illegally will be given an official warning, and those who ignore the warning will have their mini-moto seized. Vehicles will also be seized if riders have no insurance or valid documentation.
“We would urge parents across Oldham not to buy their children mini-motos for Christmas. These vehicles cause a great amount of annoyance in communities, mainly because of the noise, and can be dangerous for both the rider and pedestrians.”
Riding motor-cycles and quad bikes off-road is a criminal offence if you do not have permission off the person who owns the land.
When a bike is seized on public or private land the owner can only have it returned after paying a recovery fee of £150 plus a storage fee of £10 per day.
The bike can be destroyed or disposed of if not claimed from HM Recovery within a set amount of days.
However, if an off-road motor-bike is seized for driving on a public road, then the vehicle will be destroyed immediately because it is not insured to drive on the road.
Police have the power under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 to seize vehicles being used in a manner likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance.
If anyone has concerns about the illegal use of off-road bikes, they are encouraged contact police on 0161 872 5050 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Saddleworth and Lees residents can also contact their Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0161-856 4524 or saddleworthandlees.npt@gmp.police.uk
