House of Commons · Westminster Hall
05 March 2025 · 24 other contributors · 9,900 words
Opened by Antonia Bance Lab Tipton and Wednesbury
Responding minister: Dame Diana Johnson
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Antonia Bance raised concerns about antisocial behaviour and illegal bikes in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The lead MP asks for more enforcement of anti-social behaviour laws and better police powers to seize vehicles associated with antisocial activity.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Residents in Tipton, Wednesbury and Coseley have reported that off-road bikes disrupt parks, sports games, dog walkers, kids playing or riding their bikes, and endanger anyone trying to cross the road. Riders shoot around roads filling the air with engine noise and burning oil smell, turning turf into mud and scaring mums with prams.
The rise of illegal off-road bike use has affected communities in Erewash, with residents facing intimidation and fear. The MP calls for stricter enforcement and measures to combat the underlying criminal activities associated with these bikes.
Residents of Dunstable and Houghton Regis have reported dangerous and antisocial behavior by off-road bike riders, including speeding through residential areas and endangering pedestrians. The MP supports Operation Skytree but calls for further enforcement measures.
In his constituency, illegally modified motorbikes and e-scooters are a significant issue due to noise, thefts, shoplifting, and antisocial driving. He agrees that the police need more powers but also calls for closer cooperation between councils’ local teams and police.
No community around the country is immune from the issue of off-road bikes, which cause a feeling of powerlessness among residents.
A resident in Weston-super-Mare shared concerns about feeling unsafe due to off-road bikes, particularly when walking her dog. The MP highlights the danger and isolation caused by such activity.
Builds on the Stoke-on-Trent Central councillor's work, highlighting a hotline number set up by the council in collaboration with police to get better data on where bikes are active and deploy drones for seizure.
Supports the lead MP's concerns, mentions Operation Transom in Stoke and Staffordshire which uses drones and aeroplanes to chase down and seize illegal bikes. Emphasises associated criminality such as drug running and movement of stolen goods.
Congratulates the lead MP on securing this debate, highlighting concerns from residents about off-road biking in his constituency. Supports measures in the Crime and Policing Bill to make it easier for police to seize antisocial bikes.
He outlines the situation in Northern Ireland with antisocial behaviour issues involving motorbikes, and describes initiatives such as providing an area for off-road biking and enhancing the influence of street pastors and community police.
Emphasised the impact of off-road bikes on Nuneaton residents, detailing harassment, intimidation, and criminal activities linked to these vehicles.
Welcomes measures in the Crime and Policing Bill but suggests additional protections for police, such as entering private dwellings to seize bikes and tighter regulation of bike ownership through certification similar to firearms.
Talks about issues with off-road bikes in his constituency, stressing community policing and the increased numbers of officers provided by the Government to tackle antisocial behaviour effectively.
Supports collaboration between local organisations like Safe Morecambe in tackling antisocial behaviour involving bikes.
He thanks his hon. Friend for supporting his ten-minute rule Bill about police powers on this issue and appreciates that the measures in the Crime and Policing Bill have been inspired by his Bill.
Requests assurance that the Crime and Policing Bill will ensure seizure and destruction of off-road bikes to make streets safe again.
Discussed serious incidents involving off-road bikes in Reading, highlighting reckless behaviour on major roads and Evel Knievel-style jumps near the River Thames.
In Stockton West, incidents involving off-road bikes have serious consequences, including intimidation and threats to residents in green spaces and parks.
In Wirral West, antisocial behaviour is a gateway drug to criminality and requires proactive work. The area needs more investment in local activities and the restoration of community support officers who are under-resourced.
Acknowledged the menace of illegal bikes crossing into her constituency and thanked local police for their efforts, welcoming new powers to tackle the issue.
He highlights numerous complaints about off-road bikes endangering public safety in Bracknell Forest, including reports of young men driving recklessly on footpaths and cycle ways, nearly crashing into individuals and families.
He expresses concern about safety issues due to off-road bikes being used in antisocial and illegal ways, particularly on pavements and footpaths. He highlights the risk posed to elderly people who might be involved in collisions with these bikes.
Described incidents involving damage to football fields and intimidation near canals in West Bromwich, welcoming government action against illegal bikes.
The problem of illegal off-road bikes in Wolverhampton North East has been spiralling for years, causing intimidation and damage to green spaces. 14 years of cuts to neighbourhood policing have left the police under-resourced.
Welcomes the forthcoming legislation that will give police powers to seize bikes without warning, addressing the limitations of section 59 which allowed bikers to get away with warnings only.
Government Response
Dame Diana JohnsonThe Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention
Acknowledges the seriousness of antisocial behaviour involving vehicles and supports proactive steps by police forces. Welcomes changes in the Crime and Policing Bill to facilitate quicker confiscation of vehicles used antisocially. Emphasises the importance of local partnership working in tackling this issue. Strong measures to deal with off-road bikes are included in the Crime and Policing Bill, which was introduced a few weeks ago. This Bill will allow police forces to immediately seize vehicles used antisocially without first having to give a warning. The requirement to issue a warning under section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 is being removed to make it easier for the police to act swiftly and send a message that such behaviour will not be tolerated. We are also considering changes to secondary legislation to allow quick disposal of seized off-road bikes, aiming to reduce reoffending. Concerns about criminality facilitated by e-bikes and e-scooters are being addressed through research on technological solutions to enhance police ability to prevent their use in criminal acts. Collaboration with the Department for Transport is ongoing to tackle antisocial behaviour and improve road safety. The Government has committed an extra £1.1 billion into policing over the last settlement, providing reassurance to communities.