Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Vehicle Nuisance

Monday 2 June 2025 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial powers for seizing and crushing bikes are being considered to address nuisance from off-road bikes and street racing.
  • Police in Kent welcome additional powers to seize bikes more swiftly and take them off the streets.
  • The Home Secretary is working on a stronger rural crime strategy with the National Police Chiefs' Council.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Darren Paffey Lab Southampton Itchen
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

Darren Paffey mentions that his constituents in Weston Shore are facing severe antisocial issues with motorbikes racing through their estates every night, causing noise disturbances. He cites a lack of meaningful enforcement against these activities.

Question

My constituents around Weston Shore have had enough of exactly the kind of thing you describe: antisocial motorbikes racing outside their homes every night. The constant noise disturbs everyone’s sleep, yet they have seen no meaningful enforcement in recent years. You mentioned that further powers are coming for tackling this issue. Will you confirm that you expect local police forces to use these powers fully and seriously so that this blight on my constituents’ lives can be stopped?

Answer from The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Yvette Cooper)

My hon. Friend is exactly right. The issue he raises resonates with people across the country, from Southampton to south Tyneside; too many areas face blight from off-road bikes and street racing. At present, police must give multiple warnings before taking action. We want it to be one strike and out for seizing bikes more easily.

Answered
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Q2 Tristan Osborne Lab Chatham and Aylesford
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

In Kent, Tristan Osborne mentions the use of section 59 powers by police to confiscate bikes in areas like Snodland and Walderslade. He notes that current legislation is insufficient and requires additional support for swift action.

Question

I thank the Home Secretary for her response. In Kent we are using section 59 powers to confiscate bikes, including in Snodland and Walderslade in my constituency. However, the police have stated that the legislation is not powerful enough, and they welcome additional powers to seize bikes. Can you ensure that police inspectors and police and crime commissioners are given guidance so that the number of vehicles seized can be monitored, thereby stopping this problem once and for all?

Answer from The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Yvette Cooper)

My hon. Friend is right; we need to ensure that the police have the necessary powers and can act swiftly. We want to make it easier for them to crush bikes more quickly as well as seize them and take them off the streets, which requires additional neighbourhood police officers in Kent—65 additional officers—and similar numbers for Hampshire.

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Q3 Chris Coghlan Lib Dem Dorking and Horley
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

Chris Coghlan mentions that residents in his constituency complain about motorcycle noise caused by illegally modified exhaust systems, which are used to harass people and intimidate local residents.

Question

Many residents in my constituency complain about motorcycle noise from illegally modified exhausts. Can the Home Secretary inform me of her plans to help local police and local authorities address this nuisance?

Answer from The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Yvette Cooper)

The hon. Member is right to raise this issue. Noise and speed are used deliberately in order to harass people and intimidate local residents, which is really unfair on local families. That is why we need to give the police stronger powers to clamp down on it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans or actions were not detailed

How: We Need To, To Clample Down

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Q4 Sarah Dyke Lib Dem Glastonbury and Somerton
Crime & Law Enforcement Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Sarah Dyke mentions that off-road bikes are often used illegally across private farmland, causing damage to crops, scaring animals, and leaving farmers feeling scared and vulnerable. She asks about the steps being taken in the Crime and Policing Bill.

Question

Off-road bikes are often used illegally across private farmland, causing damage to crops, spooking animals and leaving farmers feeling scared and vulnerable. While the Crime and Policing Bill includes a provision to make it easier for police to seize vehicles associated with antisocial behaviour, Avon and Somerset police has little or no resource to police rural crimes properly. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to stop the illegal use of off-road bikes on farmland?

Answer from The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Yvette Cooper)

As well as strengthening the law, we are working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council on a stronger rural crime strategy. I can tell the hon. Lady that Avon and Somerset police will be getting 70 additional neighbourhood police officers across the area this year as a result of the neighbourhood policing guarantee.

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