Off road is off limits!

Parks and open spaces are definitely off limits - as far as off-road riders are concerned!

That’s the message from St Helens Council and Merseyside Police as the annual SpringWatch campaign aims to halt illegal riders in their tracks.

Off-road nuisance is one of the key targets of a campaign that’s designed to curb anti-social behaviour during the lighter evenings.

And with more ramblers, dog walkers, families and children attracted to the borough’s open spaces during spring and summer, agencies making up the Community Safety Partnership believe it’s time to remind quad, mini moto and scrambler riders of their responsibilities.

“Riding any of these machines on public land, parks, pavements, waste ground or footpaths in St. Helens is illegal,” stressed Merseyside Police Inspector Keith McLachlan.

“If you’re using a motor vehicle that’s causing - or is likely to cause - alarm, distress or annoyance to others, your vehicle will be seized.”

Merseyside Police will be stepping up patrols in areas where residents have reported problems with the anti-social use of off-road vehicles. Anyone found riding anti-socially will, where appropriate, have their vehicle seized or may be prosecuted.

Warning signs have also been put up in areas experiencing problems.

To report off-road vehicle nuisance contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0151 709 6010, or you can report without giving your details to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.