Legislation Introduced to Address Anti-Social Off-Road Bike Use

A Labour Member of Parliament has stated that law enforcement officers should possess the authority to confiscate problematic off-road bikes directly from the residences of their riders. Luke Akehurst, the MP for North Durham, introduced the Off-road Bikes (Police Powers) Bill. This action follows demands for stricter measures against motorbikes operated in public parks and on pedestrian walkways. Addressing the Commons, Mr. Akehurst asserted that these vehicles are being “driven in a dangerous and anti-social way,” leading to “damage and injuries” in certain instances. Previously, Trimdon and Thornley councillor Lucy Hovvels commented that she had “come across a lot of people who are living in fear” due to the presence of these bikes. Mr. Akehurst indicated that local police forces had informed him of a “loophole” within current legislation concerning their authority to seize off-road vehicles. While officers currently possess the authority to enter most premises, including private garages, to confiscate motor vehicles “used in manner causing alarm, distress or annoyance” or operated without insurance, this power does not encompass private houses. Mr. Akehurst explained that his proposed bill aims to modify existing laws to “give police powers to enter a private dwelling for the purpose of seizing an off-road bike that has been driven in anti-social way or without insurance.” The MP further acknowledged that this would constitute “an intrusive power” and therefore “must be subject to rigorous legal safeguards and used proportionately.” In a prior statement, Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen expressed her desire to deploy drones to track anti-social riders. Law enforcement agencies are presently utilizing comparable bikes in their efforts to apprehend suspects. The government had previously pledged to “crack down on the scourge of off-road bikes in public parks, dangerous e-scooters on pavements, street racing, all of which inflict misery on local communities.” Last month, policing minister Dame Diana Johnson stated that under the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill, officers would be exempt from issuing a prior warning before confiscating vehicles implicated in anti-social behaviour. The proposed bill is scheduled for debate on 7 March next year.