Get-tough on off-road bikers
POLICE are clamping down on off-road bikers after reports emerged of them frightening horses and ponies in the Valleys - particularly in the Cynon Valley and in the Merthyr area.
POLICE are continuing their clampdown on offroad bikers after reports emerged of them frightening horses and ponies in the Valleys.
South Wales Police officers have been working with local authorities and Natural Resources Wales to enforce the law and educate riders in the Cynon Valley and Merthyr Tydfil.
According to police, they had a number of calls from members of the public about off-road bikes frightening horses and ponies near Bedlinog, Merthyr Tydfil.
As well as that, in separate incidents near Pen y Cymoedd wind farm in the Cynon Valley, one vehicle was seized and one driver summons to court for no insurance, and another rider issued with a section 59 notice.
Police said they also recovered one other abandoned vehicle.
Speaking about the Bedlinog incident, a member of the public told police: “They deliberately rode through herds of ponies and foals.
“It’s getting ridiculous up there now.
“We experienced riders coming very close to us and our dogs so many times now we’ve stopped going up there.
“The ponies run onto the road as they’re frightened and on Saturday nearly caused an accident because a car driver drove so fast around a bend and just managed to stop before hitting a pony and it’s foal.”
Chief inspector Cath Larkman said: “Off-road biking is something which causes great concern to our communities.
“We are lucky to have some amazing countryside around us and this should be for everyone’s use and people riding illegally is dangerous for walkers and animals.
“The message is simple – you need permission from the landowner to ride on their land – if you do not have this you are committing an offence and we will be out enforcing the law.”
Gareth Roberts, local area manager for National Resources Wales, said the areas are there to be enjoyed by everyone, and said it’s “a real shame” the actions of a few are ruining it for the many.
He added: “It’s not just the obvious risk to public safety we have to worry about, but it’s the damage caused to trails, footpaths, boundaries and habitats as well.
“By sending out a clear message that this type of illegal and anti-social activity won’t be tolerated, we hope we can make sure these sites and trails can be safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
Gary Black, community safety and licensing manager at Rhondda Cynon Taf council, said: “We are committed to responding to the concerns of our communities and we know illegal, anti-social and inconsiderate use of off-road vehicles remains a problem in RCT – because residents are telling us so.
“We are pleased to have a strong partnership with South Wales Police and Natural Resources Wales which enables us to proactively address this issue.
“Our message to those who think it is ok to upset communities and damage our beautiful open spaces is that it is not – and we will take action to deal with you.”
“You need permission from the landowner to ride on their land – if you do not have this you are committing an offence and we will be out enforcing the law” Chief inspector Cath Larkman