Legal News

The Safer Hartlepool Partnership is spearheading a campaign targeting those who use motor vehicles or drive off-road bikes illegally and cause nuisance and danger in communities.

Hartlepool Council says the campaign will mainly target the Old Cemetery Road area – but will also offer support and enforcement to other areas of the town. Extra patrols by Motorcycle Section officers will take place, along with new signs warning of the consequences of illegal off-road motoring.

The council says the signs will act as a permanent warning that anyone found riding or driving off-road vehicles or bikes illegally will result in the immediate seizure of the vehicle – and potentially a court summons.

If the vehicle is owned by a third party, this person may also be summonsed to court for allowing the vehicle to be used in such a manner.

The same consequences will apply to vehicles being used in a manner which is causing, or likely to cause, alarm, distress, or annoyance to members of the public, says the council.

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

There is no common land in Hartlepool where an off-road vehicle may be driven or ridden legally, the council says.

Inspector Mal Suggitt from Hartlepool Integrated Neighbourhood Team said:

“The warning signs such as those erected in the Old Cemetery Road area have been effective in other areas of the force – and I am hopeful that they will have the same outcome here.

“The signs clearly state that off-road biking in that area is an offence – and that action will be taken against those that disobey the law and the vehicles will be seized immediately.”

Chair of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership and Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, added:

“We have to take a firm stance against anyone riding off-road bikes illegally, as they are putting people’s lives at risk and damaging the local environment.

“All of the relevant agencies are working hard to address the issue – and we have even produced a video which is being used on websites and social media to help get our message across.”

Duncan Lewis Motoring Solicitors

Duncan Lewis motoring solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge for motoring offences, including illegal off-road driving or biking, careless or dangerous driving, causing death by dangerous driving, DUI, vehicle maintenance offences, driving uninsured or without a licence and speeding offences.

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

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

For 24/7 help at a police station, call Duncan Lewis Solicitors 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.

https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/news/article/336/video_partnership_working_to_tackle_illegal_use_of_off-road_bikes