Dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles could be crushed if used illegally this summer

Sandwell Police and Sandwell Council jointly tackle problems caused by the illegal use of these vehicles, which include motocross, trials and endurance bikes, mini bikes, quad bikes, electric scooters and any other mechanically propelled vehicle.

Bikes are seized and CCTV footage is used to identify hotspots and track people who are riding illegally and dangerously, putting themselves and others at risk. West Midlands Police officers have been equipped with DNA spray to ‘tag’ motorbikes and bikers, which causes anti-social behaviour. behavior in the community. For more information visit the West Midlands Police website.

The police and council are also raising awareness through school talks, as well as installing equipment in key locations to prevent illegal access to bikes.

Reports of unsightly dirt bikes to the police and council have increased. A resident awareness campaign was carried out, which resulted in an improvement in the quality of information received.

Chief Inspector Paul Griffiths of Sandwell Neighborhood Policing said:

“As we head into summer and the weather improves, we expect an increase in outdoor activities, including the use of off-road bikes. However, it is illegal to ride these bikes through any public space, including parks, playgrounds and on sidewalks, as this is dangerous for anyone who wants to use these spaces safely.

“Officers continue to operate in hotspot areas in Sandwell as we tackle the threat and dangers of dirt bikes. Our teams have already made some seizures and we will continue to act on any information we receive to prevent illegal travel and keep people safe.”

Councilor Suzanne Hartwell, Deputy Leader of Sandwell Council and Cabinet Member for Neighborhoods and Community, said:

“We are determined to make sure our residents can enjoy our parks and other outdoor spaces safely this summer without being at risk from the illegal use of dirt bikes.

“If you have considered using your dirt bike in hot weather, please make sure you are using it legally, safely and with the permission of the landowner. If you don’t follow the rules, your bike could be caught and crushed.”

Residents are encouraged to report nuisance motorbikes as incidents occur to the police, either by calling 101, via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or report via the Crimestoppers website.

Or report your bike nuisance online to Sandwell Council – please include details such as vehicle registration details and a description of the bike or motorbike (such as the color of the bike and clothing).

Law on off-road vehicles:

• Mountain bikes are classed as motor vehicles and as such must be built to a certain standard in order to be ridden on a public road. Most dirt bikes that are used in an anti-social manner in Sandwell do not meet these standards.
• Mountain bikes must also have the following to be legally used on a public road:
• A logbook and be registered with the DVLA
• Road tax
• A valid ITP
• Be equipped with lights
• Be equipped with registration plates

Riders must also:

• Be 17 or over (16 if the vehicle is classed as a moped)
• Have a valid driver’s license
• You have valid car insurance
• Wear appropriate safety equipment (eg a hard hat)

If the above conditions are not met, it is illegal to use a dirt bike on the road. It is the rider’s responsibility to know the law and an offense can be committed under the Road Traffic Act (1998) and the Police Reform Act (2002).

Mountain bikers must have the landowner’s permission to ride on private land. It is illegal to ride a dirt bike on any land that is not part of a road or any road that is a path or path without the permission of the owner of the land.

Even if permission is obtained, if the person rides dangerously or carelessly, they could be prosecuted.