Nuisance motorbikes, vehicles and off road vehicles
There are no official areas in Luton where these vehicles can be driven legally. Motorbikes and other vehicles can only be driven on the road in full compliance with the law; this includes a valid MOT, number plate, tax, insurance and full safety equipment. A van or trailer must be used to transport off road vehicles to a legitimate riding area.
Nuisance can be caused by mini motos, go peds, quad bikes, trial and any other mechanically propelled vehicle that is driven off the road and should not be used on public roads, pavements or spaces. Road-registered vehicles being inappropriately driven can also cause nuisance.
Do you suffer from off road nuisance?
These bikes can be very loud and driven dangerously, and they destroy local parks and open spaces.
What can you do to help?
We would like as much detail as possible from you about what the bikes and the riders look like. We also need to know where they are coming from; someone lives next door to whoever owns these bikes.
What is the law?
Off road bikes can only be ridden in areas with the land owner’s permission, so this does not include any parks or open spaces in Luton.
Bedfordshire Police
Bedfordshire Police can use Section 59 of Police Reform Act 2002 to tackle nuisance vehicles.
Where a police officer believes a driver is using a vehicle in manner causing alarm, distress or annoyance, they can issue a written warning which is valid for 12 months and this applies to the driver/rider and the vehicle.
Unfortunately it is not easy to catch the motorbikes because it is often not safe for the police to pursue the riders, which is why they are keen to get information from local residents.
Police can issue Section 59 warnings if a witness provides them with a statement saying the culprit was driving in a reckless manner.
Luton Council
The council can carry out home visits to those caught riding a motorbike off the road as this is classed as antisocial behaviour. Home visits can be carried out and further antisocial behaviour action can be taken if this is an ongoing issue.
The council can also consider putting in physical barriers to the bikes. But it is usually impossible to stop access completely because there needs to be access to local parks and open spaces for the rest of the community to enjoy.
Full details, forms and advice are available from:
Neighbourhood Services
Town Hall
Upper George Street
Luton
LU1 2BQ
T: 01582 510 330
E: [email protected]
W: www.luton.gov.uk