A number of residents have told us about motorcyclists and quad bikes using the waggonways and council land. This is illegal and potentially dangerous. Sometimes it’s people riding roadworthy (taxed and insured) vehicles but using the wagonways at speed presenting danger to families with young children or dog walkers. I’ve also seen motorcyclists using the roads and cycle tracks illegally, riding without helmets at speed.
I spoke to the police yesterday about the illegal use of motorcycles on the waggonways and quad bikes on public land. It’s a national issue and it’s a problem throughout North Tyneside, not just Shiremoor. Locally it’s hard to police because they can’t safely chase bikes on the waggonways to arrest them. They are working with the council, the Community Protection Team. The police recently ran Operation Capio using Section 59 Antisocial behaviour and are planning to run it again in the summer.
So the issue is that that the police need evidence to prosecute which means they either have to catch people breaking the law or get statements from people who have seen them with vehicle registration and descriptions of bikes and riders. That’s hard enough but then the police have to give them a first warning before they can prosecute and scrap the vehicle. So then they have to catch them a second time! One way they can restrict this is to give a written warning then they can prosecute them on the first occasion. So, the police are working with the council to get more signage up on council land including waggonways.
Guidance for anyone who sees someone illegally riding on public land or on roads without helmets.
Do not confront them.
Report it to the council on 0345 2000101 who will pass information on to the police.
- Give as much detail as you can, date and time, description of bikes including make and model, distinctive features and registration number plate if it has one.
- Description of riders including how many, clothing worn and helmet or headgear
- Where the motorcycle was located, and where it was travelling towards
- Where offending vehicles are being stored
If you come across a group of people riding in a dangerous way, call 999 or 101. All of these actions build a bigger picture to enable the police.