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Daventry tackles motorbike crime and anti-social behaviour among bikers (8 August 2017)

Date: 08/08/2017
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Daventry tackles motorbike crime and anti-social behaviour among bikers

The Daventry District and South Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership is raising awareness of the laws surrounding the use of motorised bikes, in a bid to encourage more people to report motorcyclists who break the law.

The move follows a number of reports of motorbikes being used illegally in Daventry in recent weeks.

The partnership is warning bikers that it is always illegal to ride a motorised bike on public land, such as pavements, parks or playing fields. The only legal place to ride motorbikes and mopeds off road is on private land with the landowner’s permission.

A bike must be roadworthy to be used on the roads – and have a registration number, as well as the correct tax and insurance.

Bikers should also have a suitable safety helmet and a driving licence authorising the use of the bike they are riding.

The motorcyclist must be at least 17 years of age, unless the bike has an engine capacity below 50cc, which can be ridden by people aged 16.

Anyone caught riding illegally faces a fine, as well as the confiscation of their bike. Where parents or guardians are the legal owners – or have bought petrol for the bike in question – they, too, can face prosecution for aiding and abetting in the offence.

The Partnership is asking the public in Daventry to report incidents of illegal motorbike activity by phoning 101, with a full description of the bike – including its colour and a description of the clothing and helmet worn by the offender.

The police accepts photographs taken of offenders – but warns that people should only to take photographs where it is safe to do so and should not post them on social media.

A member of the Partnership and Daventry District Council’s Portfolio Holder for community, Culture and Leisure, Councillor Alan Hills, said:

“The illegal use of motorbikes, mini-motos and mopeds is not only anti-social, but potentially very dangerous.

“It may seem like harmless fun – but that fun can turn to disaster in the blink of an eye, putting both the rider and innocent bystanders at risk of serious injury or even death.

“At the very least, you risk losing your licence and having your bike seized.

“Some people may not be aware of the laws surrounding the use of these vehicles, so we want to raise awareness among both users and the wider community.

“We are also encouraging people to report incidents to Northamptonshire Police on 101, so that offenders can be caught and dealt with in the appropriate manner.”


The Daventry District and South Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership brings together partners which include Daventry District Council, South Northamptonshire Council, Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service, Northamptonshire County Council, Nene Clinical Commissioning Group, Futures Housing Group and others, in order to reduce crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour within the community.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors can advise at any stage of a motoring offence, including motorcycle crime, anti-social behaviour, speeding offences, careless or dangerous driving, DUI, vehicle maintenance offences, driving uninsured or without a licence.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and a Duncan Lewis solicitor can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

Duncan Lewis can also advise professional drivers on motoring offences and breaches of licence conditions – including advising on possible disqualification.

For expert legal advice on motoring offences, call Duncan Lewis motoring solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

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