Crushing news for illegal riders

The consequences of failing to insure your motorbike – or riding it on someone else’s land - were graphically illustrated in St Helens town centre on Saturday (19 February).

Merseyside Police joined the council’s Road Safety and Travel Awareness team for a motorcycle awareness day in Church Square – to show off the machine they use to crush seized vehicles

The awareness day also featured advice on road safety issues as well as information on rider training and an accident rescue demonstration by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.

Merseyside Police will also stepping up patrols over the spring period - when there is usually an increase in off-road vehicle nuisance, paying particular attention to areas where residents have reported problems with the anti-social use of off-road vehicles. Anyone found riding anti-socially, where appropriate will have their vehicle seized by the Police or may be prosecuted.   

Riding any motorbike, quad bike or mini- moto off road on public land, parks, pavements, waste ground or any footpath in St. Helens is illegal, causing a danger to others by using pavements, grassed areas or play areas.

St. Helens Council and Community Safety partners are urging residents to help tackle this problem by reporting when such vehicles are out and about causing excessive noise nuisance to you and your neighbours and endangering your Community.

Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Safer Communities and Youth Councillor Sue Murphy said: “The vast majority of motorcyclists love their machines and are completely law-abiding.

“But there is a small minority who flout the law. Often these vehicles will be uninsured so they are putting others – as well as themselves – at risk.”

Chief Inspector Mike Constantine from Merseyside Police said: “Every year we seize approximately 180 uninsured or untaxed motorcycles across Merseyside. By simply staying road legal, many riders would avoid the distress and financial hardship of losing their machines.”

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.