Off-road bikers flout the laws on coronavirus
POLICE in Widnes have raised concerns about a rise in young people riding off-road motorbikes and quads despite the coronavirus pandemic.
A force spokesman said officers received several reports on Tuesday, April 7, on Hale Road, Norlands Lane, Lunts Heath Road and Canterbury Road.
He said the bikes were being ridden illegally.
On the same day officers also helped Merseyside Police to seize off-road vehicles near Ramsbrook Lane in Hale Village.
Police said the bike outings are putting lives at risk because they are in contravention of the coronavirus guidance and legislation about essential journeys and leaving a person’s address.
Officers have legal powers to seize scrambler bikes which are used in a way which causes harassment, alarm or distress.
A warning is given first, but police can seize it under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act if it is used in an anti-social manner again.
All forms of motorcycles can also be seized if they are ridden on a public road unless the rider is at least 16 years old, holds the relevant licence, is covered by insurance and has paid their road tax.
Police are keen to hear from residents with photographs or video footage of bikes.
Detective Inspector Ian Whiley, of Widnes Local Policing Unit (LPU), said: “Everyone should be aware of the need to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Yet there has been a spike in reports of young people riding scrambler bikes and quad bikes in Widnes.
“We have had reports of young people doing so at speed and whilst not wearing helmets.
“What these young people are doing is not only illegal, it is also putting lives at risk.
“By not follow the Government’s guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, they are increasing the chances of the virus spreading and potentially putting unnecessary strain on emergency medical care.
“I would like to reassure members of the community that we have increased patrols in the Widnes LPU area in a bid to tackle the problem of young people going out of their homes to ride off-road vehicles.
“The increased patrols include officers on off-road motorbikes.
“I urge young people to stop going out on off-road motorbikes and quad bikes and I ask their parents/guardians to ensure that this is complied with, for the safety of the young person and for the safety of others.
“I also urge members of the public to keep reporting any instances of off-road vehicles being ridden illegally.
“We want information in relation to where these vehicles are being stored and key factors regarding the riders, such as a detailed description of them and what they were wearing as well as potential names.
“Of particular value are photographs and videos of off-road vehicles and riders, but I ask people to only look to get us photos and video footage if you can do so from your own home or if you are already outside for one of the four reasons we are able to go out during the coronavirus pandemic.
“These are for food, health reasons, exercise (once a day) and work (but only if you cannot work from home).
“I also urge people to only photograph or film vehicles and riders if it is safe to do so.
“When we have evidence of off-road bikes being ridden illegally we can endeavour to have riders prosecuted and to permanently seize their bikes.”
Anyone with information regarding young people riding off-road motorbikes or quad bikes should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or visit www. cheshire.police.uk to report details online.
Alternatively, information can be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www. crimestoppers-uk.org