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Home Office

Answer

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what examples of best practice are available to (a) local authorities and (b) police authorities on (i) making provision for off-road motorcycles and (ii) tackling irresponsible off-road motorcycling. [195780] Caroline Flint: We have given the police a power to seize any vehicle being used without authority off-road, or inconsiderately on-road, where such usage causes alarm, distress or annoyance. The vehicles are then released only on payment of prescribed fees for removal and storage. This puts an immediate stop to the nuisance. We are aware that a number of police forces have been working with their local authorities and other members of local crime and disorder reduction partnerships to make best use of this power and to take other steps to reduce the problem, including via the provision of facilities for lawful off-road motor-cycling. We are currently discussing with the Association of Chief Police Officers the effective use of the power, the identification of good practice and any need for further central guidance.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

195780; 426 c893W;426 c897W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Nuisance Public footpaths Motorcycles Rights of way Road traffic offences

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk