A scheme to clamp down on off-road vehicles in the North East has been unveiled.
From this week, anyone seen riding an off-road bike, e-scooter quad or 4x4 in East Durham or Darlington will have their vehicle seized straightaway by police.
The scheme run by Durham Constabulary aims to crackdown on nuisance riders and motorists initially in the Peterlee and Darlington Neighbourhood Policing areas.
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Section 59 warning signs are being erected in the areas to notify potential offenders of the new powers and combat the antisocial behaviour which is often linked to them.
The areas identified for the signs are Peterlee, Shotton Colliery, Wingate and Darlington.
The force is also working with its partners including Durham’s Police and Crime Commission Joy Allen, Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council to raise awareness of the scheme and encourage residents to report any incidents as they happen to help identify those responsible.
The notices also cover e-scooters which are currently illegal to use anywhere other than private land.
Sergeant Gavin Rutter, of Peterlee Neighbourhood Team, said: “We are committed to working with our local communities and partner agencies in order to tackle issues that have a detrimental effect on residents and we always strive to implement long-term solutions."
The force’s Casualty Reduction Coordinator, Nicola Bowman, added: “We all know how much of a plague on society bikes, quads and other motorised vehicles cause to our community.
“Working together with partner agencies, Operation Endurance was introduced to find a way to reduce the impact on society and as a force, we will take any action necessary against offenders and we would urge members of the public to provide information to assist us.”
"I would urge anyone who knows where these bikes are being stored or who is riding them illegally to ring 101 and share vital community intelligence so we can seize the bikes and take enforcement action against the riders."
Joanne Waller, Durham County Council’s head of community protection, said: “Although often caused by a small few, anti-social behaviour can have a big impact on communities and residents’ wellbeing."
Cllr Jonathan Dulston, deputy leader of Darlington Borough Council added: “The use of off-road vehicles can on many occasions have a detrimental effect on the quality of life for those living in or visiting areas where this anti-social behaviour is committed and we welcome and support this approach in an effort to target such activity and those responsible.”
To report a nuisance vehicle, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 08000 555 111.
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