Antisocial Behaviour and Off-road Bikes

The hon. Member believes that the police should treat off-road bikers as criminals rather than nuisances, and use all available powers to stop their antisocial behaviour. We need bespoke solutions to deal with complex crimes such as off-road bike use and antisocial behaviour. There should be more officers dedicated to these issues, equipped with their own quad bikes to tackle illegal activities.

Residents in West Lancashire are contacting Ashley Dalton about bikes tearing up and down estates at all hours of the day, reaching speeds of up to 50 mph. Residents report hearing the bikes before they can see them, with noise carrying on for hours, three to four times a week. Concerns about safety have led some parents to tell their children not to play out in the street due to fears of bike-related accidents. Dalton also mentioned reports of retaliatory crime and arson against those who complain about the issue. He raised the link between off-road bikes and organised crime, including drug distribution.

The hon. Member agrees with the earlier points made and highlights a correlation between antisocial behaviour involving off-road bikes and cuts to police forces over recent years. The MP discussed the significant concerns raised by constituents about antisocial behaviour and dangerous driving, highlighting specific incidents involving off-road bikes on pavements and roads at high speeds. She mentioned that local police have stepped up patrols but lack resources to effectively address the issue. The MP cited budget cuts of £165 million and loss of 2,000 officers since 2010 in West Yorkshire. She also noted the impact on charities providing activities for young people and the struggle for funding affecting their operations. In Batley and Spen, Kim Leadbeater mentioned that police officers have received off-road bike training but are now being told to pay for their own licences if more want the training, which she finds concerning. She noted the reluctance of people to report antisocial behaviour due to a lack of action, which hides the true scale of such issues.

The hon. Member supports innovative methods by the police to address off-road bike misuse, including vehicle seizures and SmartTag spray, but questions whether more enforcement measures are needed without adding strain on police forces. The hon. Member raises concerns about food delivery drivers on e-bikes causing a nuisance in city centres, suggesting this related issue also requires urgent intervention. The current legislation is not sufficient to deter those using uninsured and unregistered off-road bikes from perpetrating antisocial behaviour, suggesting that swift review of laws is necessary.

Greater Manchester police has lost £215 million since 2010 and 2,000 fewer officers. My office receives around 250 pieces of correspondence about antisocial behaviour and 40 about illegal off-road bikes each month. There is a need for youth clubs and support services to address the root causes.

The hon. Member suggests industry measures such as immobiliser installation, compulsory registration, and insurance for off-road vehicles could help address the issue of antisocial behaviour. Asked whether the increase in police officers has mitigated the antisocial behaviour caused by off-road bikes. Mr Gibson discussed the issue of off-road bikes and quad bikes in Darlington, highlighting their negative impact on local communities. He praised Durham constabulary's Operation Endurance for tackling this problem but called for more action. Mr Gibson also suggested compulsory insurance and registration for these vehicles to make identification easier for law enforcement. Welcomed section 59 notices but stressed the need for inter-departmental cooperation to address bike thefts, registration issues, and insurance problems. Emphasised that more can be done by departments working together.

The hon. Member agrees that further action is necessary to deter off-road biking nuisances, suggesting bikes should be seized and destroyed permanently rather than returned to owners.

Concerned about the underreporting of antisocial behaviour and highlighted that there were 1 million incidents last year, with criminal damage to buildings rising by 20% and arson not endangering life up by 21%. Criticized the government for not taking antisocial behaviour seriously. Called for better data collection on antisocial behaviour. Asked about the consultation process for banning nitrous oxide and inquired into its status.