Police unable to deal with nuisance off road bikers
Discussion
To cut a long story short we have issues with pit bikes and quads riding on a footpath between which runs from a local comprehensive school along past the primary which my daughters attend. (It tends to be at school closing time when the path is very busy with parents collecting primary children and secondary kids making their way home)
There has been a few bear misses and many reports to the police and council which have not improved matters any.
Last week my six year old almost got hit by two teenagers on a pitbike. We suspect the pillion had been collected from the comprehensive before the incident.
The police called us back today, in between the incidents we have managed to find the names of both riders, a short mobile video of them riding on a main road taken by one of the older children who witnessed the bike almost hit my daughter, clear CCTV of them riding on a path not far from our house and some dashcam footage of them riding dangerously on the road(from a resident who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of retribution)
I was gobsmacked when the officer who rang us told us no offence was committed by them riding on the pavement and the only way they could pay the riders a visit would be if the school child who filmed them riding on a on the road would provide a statement ( I wouldn’t put her in that position as she attends the same school as the riders). The officer said unless the child made a statement the matter would be closed. Council seem massively disinterested. Surely they could knock on the doors of the riders and at least have a word but this officer reckons not? His suggestion was to drive my daughter to school if she is scared to walk along the path and get a petition together for the council!
Are there any other avenues I can persue? It appears that until someone is seriously hurt or worse no one wants to do anything!
There has been a few bear misses and many reports to the police and council which have not improved matters any.
Last week my six year old almost got hit by two teenagers on a pitbike. We suspect the pillion had been collected from the comprehensive before the incident.
The police called us back today, in between the incidents we have managed to find the names of both riders, a short mobile video of them riding on a main road taken by one of the older children who witnessed the bike almost hit my daughter, clear CCTV of them riding on a path not far from our house and some dashcam footage of them riding dangerously on the road(from a resident who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of retribution)
I was gobsmacked when the officer who rang us told us no offence was committed by them riding on the pavement and the only way they could pay the riders a visit would be if the school child who filmed them riding on a on the road would provide a statement ( I wouldn’t put her in that position as she attends the same school as the riders). The officer said unless the child made a statement the matter would be closed. Council seem massively disinterested. Surely they could knock on the doors of the riders and at least have a word but this officer reckons not? His suggestion was to drive my daughter to school if she is scared to walk along the path and get a petition together for the council!
Are there any other avenues I can persue? It appears that until someone is seriously hurt or worse no one wants to do anything!
AF1 said:
To cut a long story short we have issues with pit bikes and quads riding on a footpath between which runs from a local comprehensive school along past the primary which my daughters attend. (It tends to be at school closing time when the path is very busy with parents collecting primary children and secondary kids making their way home)
There has been a few bear misses and many reports to the police and council which have not improved matters any.
Last week my six year old almost got hit by two teenagers on a pitbike. We suspect the pillion had been collected from the comprehensive before the incident.
The police called us back today, in between the incidents we have managed to find the names of both riders, a short mobile video of them riding on a main road taken by one of the older children who witnessed the bike almost hit my daughter, clear CCTV of them riding on a path not far from our house and some dashcam footage of them riding dangerously on the road(from a resident who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of retribution)
I was gobsmacked when the officer who rang us told us no offence was committed by them riding on the pavement and the only way they could pay the riders a visit would be if the school child who filmed them riding on a on the road would provide a statement ( I wouldn’t put her in that position as she attends the same school as the riders). The officer said unless the child made a statement the matter would be closed. Council seem massively disinterested. Surely they could knock on the doors of the riders and at least have a word but this officer reckons not? His suggestion was to drive my daughter to school if she is scared to walk along the path and get a petition together for the council!
Are there any other avenues I can persue? It appears that until someone is seriously hurt or worse no one wants to do anything!
Bold bit highlighted. She's your daughter, help her to make her statement. And maybe have a quiet word with the officers shift boss - fairly certain a motorcycle on the footpath is not on...There has been a few bear misses and many reports to the police and council which have not improved matters any.
Last week my six year old almost got hit by two teenagers on a pitbike. We suspect the pillion had been collected from the comprehensive before the incident.
The police called us back today, in between the incidents we have managed to find the names of both riders, a short mobile video of them riding on a main road taken by one of the older children who witnessed the bike almost hit my daughter, clear CCTV of them riding on a path not far from our house and some dashcam footage of them riding dangerously on the road(from a resident who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of retribution)
I was gobsmacked when the officer who rang us told us no offence was committed by them riding on the pavement and the only way they could pay the riders a visit would be if the school child who filmed them riding on a on the road would provide a statement ( I wouldn’t put her in that position as she attends the same school as the riders). The officer said unless the child made a statement the matter would be closed. Council seem massively disinterested. Surely they could knock on the doors of the riders and at least have a word but this officer reckons not? His suggestion was to drive my daughter to school if she is scared to walk along the path and get a petition together for the council!
Are there any other avenues I can persue? It appears that until someone is seriously hurt or worse no one wants to do anything!
randlemarcus said:
Bold bit highlighted. She's your daughter, help her to make her statement. And maybe have a quiet word with the officers shift boss - fairly certain a motorcycle on the footpath is not on...
It was the older child from the comprehensive who took the mobile phone clip of them riding on the road who the officer said needed to make a statement not my daughter. I wouldn’t ask her to do that as she has to attend the same school as these idiots. To be honest I know the police have their hands tied with regards to pursuing motorcycles etc but I thought a knock on the door of the offenders might have been a possibility, even if only to let them know that they’re aware of their actions.
I would write to the Chief Constable and complain bitterly about the lack of action and before someone gets seriously hurt or worse
and ask what he suggests to stop them being reckless , also contact the school head teacher and ask them to talk to all pupils about it.
Above might not do any good but then again it might.
and ask what he suggests to stop them being reckless , also contact the school head teacher and ask them to talk to all pupils about it.
Above might not do any good but then again it might.
Sorry OP but you've been fobbed off big time by an officer who clearly has no knowledge of what they should be doing. They may need statements and evidence to prosecute in court but to simply do some leg work and speak with the riders just needs the info you've given them.
I suggest you contact the police again and ask for clarification as to why they are refusing to deal with the matter. If necessary make an official complaint. There are clear offences (from what you describe) which need action before someone is injured.
Have you contacted the local councillor for the area and the press? Just the sort of newsworthy items they love!
Good luck.
ETA - I was typing at the same time as the above post......Sorry!
I suggest you contact the police again and ask for clarification as to why they are refusing to deal with the matter. If necessary make an official complaint. There are clear offences (from what you describe) which need action before someone is injured.
Have you contacted the local councillor for the area and the press? Just the sort of newsworthy items they love!
Good luck.
ETA - I was typing at the same time as the above post......Sorry!
Edited by Lonely on Friday 2nd April 20:45
What do you expect them to do?
Do you think the Police or School having a wird will have any effect on them if they are already willing to ride like that?
All you will be doing is putting your daughter (if they found out it was you) or the girl who filmed the incident in a situation where they will become a victim.
Do you think the Police or School having a wird will have any effect on them if they are already willing to ride like that?
All you will be doing is putting your daughter (if they found out it was you) or the girl who filmed the incident in a situation where they will become a victim.
Lord.Vader said:
What do you expect them to do?
Do you think the Police or School having a wird will have any effect on them if they are already willing to ride like that?
All you will be doing is putting your daughter (if they found out it was you) or the girl who filmed the incident in a situation where they will become a victim.
I don’t know, perhaps a patrol car or even a pcso visible around the schools at around finishing time may act as a deterrent. They live local and are regularly flying about so catching them riding wouldn’t take a massive amount of resources, hopefully this would allow seizure of the bike? A previous incident reported by another parent the police even knew who the quad rider was (a parent collecting his son from the comprehensive). Do you think the Police or School having a wird will have any effect on them if they are already willing to ride like that?
All you will be doing is putting your daughter (if they found out it was you) or the girl who filmed the incident in a situation where they will become a victim.
AF1 said:
To cut a long story short we have issues with pit bikes and quads riding on a footpath between which runs from a local comprehensive school along past the primary which my daughters attend
Where are all the ramblers who cut down branches to block footpaths when you need them?Wonder if the council could install fences with chicanes? but it sounds quite a wide footpath / open space.
AF1 said:
To cut a long story short we have issues with pit bikes and quads riding on a footpath between which runs from a local comprehensive school along past the primary which my daughters attend. (It tends to be at school closing time when the path is very busy with parents collecting primary children and secondary kids making their way home)
There has been a few bear misses and many reports to the police and council which have not improved matters any.
Last week my six year old almost got hit by two teenagers on a pitbike. We suspect the pillion had been collected from the comprehensive before the incident.
The police called us back today, in between the incidents we have managed to find the names of both riders, a short mobile video of them riding on a main road taken by one of the older children who witnessed the bike almost hit my daughter, clear CCTV of them riding on a path not far from our house and some dashcam footage of them riding dangerously on the road(from a resident who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of retribution)
I was gobsmacked when the officer who rang us told us no offence was committed by them riding on the pavement and the only way they could pay the riders a visit would be if the school child who filmed them riding on a on the road would provide a statement ( I wouldn’t put her in that position as she attends the same school as the riders). The officer said unless the child made a statement the matter would be closed. Council seem massively disinterested. Surely they could knock on the doors of the riders and at least have a word but this officer reckons not? His suggestion was to drive my daughter to school if she is scared to walk along the path and get a petition together for the council!
Are there any other avenues I can persue? It appears that until someone is seriously hurt or worse no one wants to do anything!
Contact your MP and tell him what has happened.There has been a few bear misses and many reports to the police and council which have not improved matters any.
Last week my six year old almost got hit by two teenagers on a pitbike. We suspect the pillion had been collected from the comprehensive before the incident.
The police called us back today, in between the incidents we have managed to find the names of both riders, a short mobile video of them riding on a main road taken by one of the older children who witnessed the bike almost hit my daughter, clear CCTV of them riding on a path not far from our house and some dashcam footage of them riding dangerously on the road(from a resident who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of retribution)
I was gobsmacked when the officer who rang us told us no offence was committed by them riding on the pavement and the only way they could pay the riders a visit would be if the school child who filmed them riding on a on the road would provide a statement ( I wouldn’t put her in that position as she attends the same school as the riders). The officer said unless the child made a statement the matter would be closed. Council seem massively disinterested. Surely they could knock on the doors of the riders and at least have a word but this officer reckons not? His suggestion was to drive my daughter to school if she is scared to walk along the path and get a petition together for the council!
Are there any other avenues I can persue? It appears that until someone is seriously hurt or worse no one wants to do anything!
Ian Geary said:
Where are all the ramblers who cut down branches to block footpaths when you need them?
Wonder if the council could install fences with chicanes? but it sounds quite a wide footpath / open space.
The primary school head has suggested this to the council but apparently it’s a non starter due to wheelchair access. The path is fairly wide at one end (maybe 15 foot and probably 7 foot wide where it passes the school with high fences at either side).Wonder if the council could install fences with chicanes? but it sounds quite a wide footpath / open space.
The chicanes would seem the ideal solution to me as it would slow them down enough to make using the route as a rat run impractical and make it faster for them to use the road route but the council say it’s not possible.
I'm confused that the response from the police is that no offence has been committed.
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 states that it is an offence to drive a 'mechanically powered vehicle' on a footpath, bridleway or restricted bridleway.
Police Reform Act 2002 - Sections 59 and 60 of this Act give police the power to seize vehicles that are being driven in a way that causes, or is likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance.
Road Traffic Act 1988 - It is an offence under Section 87 of the Act to drive a motor vehicle, that you do not hold a valid licence to drive, on a road (including a public right of way)
Road Traffic Act 1991 - This Act extended the scope of offences such as dangerous driving and careless driving to include off-road areas to which the public have access. Therefore if any vehicle is driven dangerously or carelessly on a public footpath, the driver may be prosecuted for dangerous or careless driving.
I'd personally rechallenge the response with the above. If this is a daily occurrence, id attempt to covertly record the behaviour and keep passing it on to the police each time, eventually they will do something about it.
That or go full powerfully built, kick them off and throw down, but as stated previously that will end up with repurcussions. The voices in my head do make me wonder what would be the outcome of a "collision" of sorts however, but ultimately the kids on the bike could potentially come off far worse...
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 states that it is an offence to drive a 'mechanically powered vehicle' on a footpath, bridleway or restricted bridleway.
Police Reform Act 2002 - Sections 59 and 60 of this Act give police the power to seize vehicles that are being driven in a way that causes, or is likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance.
Road Traffic Act 1988 - It is an offence under Section 87 of the Act to drive a motor vehicle, that you do not hold a valid licence to drive, on a road (including a public right of way)
Road Traffic Act 1991 - This Act extended the scope of offences such as dangerous driving and careless driving to include off-road areas to which the public have access. Therefore if any vehicle is driven dangerously or carelessly on a public footpath, the driver may be prosecuted for dangerous or careless driving.
I'd personally rechallenge the response with the above. If this is a daily occurrence, id attempt to covertly record the behaviour and keep passing it on to the police each time, eventually they will do something about it.
That or go full powerfully built, kick them off and throw down, but as stated previously that will end up with repurcussions. The voices in my head do make me wonder what would be the outcome of a "collision" of sorts however, but ultimately the kids on the bike could potentially come off far worse...
AF1 said:
T
I was gobsmacked when the officer who rang us told us no offence was committed by them riding on the pavement and the only way they could pay the riders a visit would be if the school child who filmed them riding on a on the road would provide a statement ( I wouldn’t put her in that position as she attends the same school as the riders). The officer said unless the child made a statement the matter would be closed.
I would suggest there is an offence. If they are involved in near misses then it is either SEc 2 or 3 RTA 1988. These sections apply to any public place not just roads and it applies an a mechsanically propelled vehicle ie not just road legal cars etc.I was gobsmacked when the officer who rang us told us no offence was committed by them riding on the pavement and the only way they could pay the riders a visit would be if the school child who filmed them riding on a on the road would provide a statement ( I wouldn’t put her in that position as she attends the same school as the riders). The officer said unless the child made a statement the matter would be closed.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/52/secti...
Proving it is another matter but "no offence" is bulls
t.Others agree.
"Section 3 You must not ride a motorcycle, quad bike or go-ped on a road, public place and/or public path in a careless or inconsiderate manner. If you do so, you could be prosecuted in the Magistrates Court."
https://www.wmnow.co.uk/images/site_images/48889_6...
https://www.wmnow.co.uk/images/site_images/48889_6...
Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff