STOP OFF-ROAD NUISANCE CONFERENCE HELD IN BOLTON

A conference organised by the Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA), the governing body for Greater Manchester Police (GMP), in partnership with Bolton’s Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership is being held today (20 September 2006) about the growing issue of off-road nuisance and how to counter it.

Attended by nearly 100 delegates including police officers, councillors and local residents, the event addresses issues including enforcement options, petrol sales and the role of trading standards.

Councillor Paul Murphy, Vice Chairman of the Greater Manchester Police Authority, said: “Over 100,000 of these machines, that can reach speeds of 60 mph, have been imported into the UK and they are a menace and have proved to be lethal. This serious problem is only going to escalate if tighter controls aren’t put in place. These vehicles are ridden recklessly, and often in an intimidating manner, on pavements and in parks causing misery to thousands of people.”

Councillor Ismail Ibrahim, Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Culture and Community Services said: “Illegal off-road biking is extremely dangerous, causes noise pollution and is a real concern for residents and we are working with GMPA and our partners to rid communities of the problem.

“We urge members of the public to continue to report the use of nuisance bikes in their area.”

Chief Inspector Haydn Roberts from Greater Manchester Police said: “ Anti-social off road motorcycling is proving to be a significant problem, not only here in Greater Manchester but across the country. Much attention has been focussed on the nuisance that off-road bikers cause and the threat that they pose to the public.

“The danger that they put themselves in is less well publicised. Five people have died in Greater Manchester in the last year while illegally using off-road bikes, and I am sure that there have been many injuries. We must get across to young people, and their parents, that what they are doing is not only anti-social and illegal, but puts them and other people’s lives at risk.

“Greater Manchester Police is working hard, with our partners, to educate young people and their parents of these dangers but has no hesitation in taking strong action against those that ignore this advice and break the law”.

For more information click on www.gmpa.gov.uk or www.stopoffroadnuisance.co.uk. People can report incidents to the police by calling 0161 872 5050.

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