Force launches focus on illegal use of two-wheeled vehicles

We’re launching a crackdown on the illegal and dangerous use of two-wheeled vehicles across Staffordshire.

Throughout June, we will be using intelligence from local communities in targeted operations to seize nuisance vehicles including off-road bikes and e-scooters as part of Operation Reclaim.

To help reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on Staffordshire’s roads, we are also supporting the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s (NPCC) Two Wheels campaign to educate motorbike and scooter users on how to use the road safely and legally.

We will be offering rider training opportunities to increase riders’ confidence and experience on the road, sharing top tips on how to check your motorbike for maintenance issues and advising people of ‘accident hotspots’ in Staffordshire.

We will also be taking part in operational activity to tackle off-road bikes. So far this year, we have already seized 35 off-road bikes being driven dangerously in Staffordshire and this will be continued with officers working proactively to seize any motor vehicle being used illegally.

We’ll then look to educate those involved and make sure young people and their guardians are aware of the laws surrounding off-road bikes, motorbikes and e-scooters.

For example, officers proactively patrolling Bentilee, Stoke-on-Trent, on Sunday 18 May spotted an illegal off-road bike being driven dangerously.

The bike was seized and the rider was reported for various driving offences.

Inspector Chris Moss, from our Road Crime Team, said: “Off-road bikes are a persistent problem across Staffordshire and put pedestrians and other motorists at risk.

“This campaign is all about keeping people safe on the roads so it is important that people are educated about road safety as well as driving and riding safely.

 “We’re committed to taking action against those who persistently put others at risk by driving dangerously and illegal on Staffordshire’s roads.

“If you have any information about who is using off-road bikes, please report it to us by calling 101 or using Live Chat on our website.”

If you own a motorbike, off-road bike or e-scooter, make sure you know the law by reading our website here: Vehicle nuisance involving cars, bikes and mopeds | Staffordshire Police