September 14, 2017 2.01 pm This story is over 78 months old

Police to clamp down on bikers causing ‘nuisance’ in Gainsborough town centre

A crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter

Lincolnshire Police are to introduce tough new legislation which could see motorists have their vehicles seized if they continue to cause a general nuisance.

Officers have said that there has been a recent spike in anti-social incidents involving motorbikes, mopeds and off-road bikes in Gainsborough town centre.

The neighbourhood policing team has said that riders are often not wearing protective clothing and headwear, failing to stop, and committing road traffic offences.

There has also been a rise in the number of reported thefts of motorbikes.

Irresponsible riders and drivers could see themselves having penalty points put on their licence or appearing in court.

Additionally, police officers and PCSOs have the power to issue a warning to offending drivers using Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002.

The warning can be issued to the rider/driver or the vehicle and if the driver or vehicle receives a second warning within a year, police will seize the vehicle and the driver will either have to pay to get it back or see it crushed.

Community beat manager, PC Rebeka Casey, said: “Section 59 is a powerful tool for officers but in order for us to act quickly and effectively, it is really important that local residents continue to phone in to tell us about problems as they are happening.

“Their help means we can identify the offenders and deal robustly with any offences, improving the situation for local residents and potentially preventing a serious accident.”

Read more about Section 59 legislation here.