Police erect sign in Derbyshire warning off-road bikers illegal riding 'will not be tolerated'

Police from the Killamarsh and Eckington Safer Neighbourhood Team saw an increase in the number of off-road bikes being driven around Renishaw, Eckington and Killamarsh due to the recent hot weather.

In response, they put up a sign in Renishaw on Thursday (March 18) to remind motorists what the consequences are for riding illegally.

The force wrote in a Facebook post: “This will not be tolerated!

"Please think before you take your bike out as your putting other road users at risk, yourself and the public too!

“You are not insured, you have no tax and no MOT your bikes aren’t road worthy and you are causing a danger to yourselves and others!”

Officers caught a man who had been seen riding a bike that was causing ‘alarm, distress and annoyance’ to the public in Eckington – by riding on a public footpath.

The man also had a passenger on the back who was riding with no helmet on.

Section 34 of the Road Traffic Act prohibits all motorised vehicles on any common land and moorland which is not part of a road, footpath, bridleway or restricted byway.

If a vehicle is used in a manner which is causing or likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public then the police have the powers to seize the motorised vehicle in accordance with S.59(3) of the Police Reform Act 2002.

Officers warned motorists that their bikes will be seized without further warning if they continue to break the law by riding on common land and moorland which is not connected to roads or footpaths, adding ‘we know who you are so if you off we will find you’.

To report motorcycle nuisance or any further information on the riders of the bikes or where illegal motorbikes or off road bikes are being stored, then report it to Derbyshire Constabulary online.

Alternatively, you can ring 101 or 999 in the case of an emergency.

If you wish to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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