Express & Star

Off-road bikers targeted after beauty spots and parkland wrecked

Council chiefs are slamming the brakes on motorbikes and quad bikes being driven irresponsibly on green spaces in Dudley.

Published
Quad bikers will be targeted under the plans

Bosses at Dudley Council are implementing a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) across the borough after undertaking a public consultation, in which residents were given the chance to air their views.

The order will now give police and local authority officers more powers to tackle what has become a growing problem recently.

It comes after numerous complaints have been made from local residents about issues such as noise nuisance, damage to land and fear of injury.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, who is the cabinet member for environmental services, said: “We have received a very positive response from our consultation and we now intend to implement the order.

“Our message is clear, we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour on our green spaces.

“This initiative gives the police and council officers new enforcement powers to crack down on people who spoil the tranquillity of green spaces and risk the safety of others by irresponsibly using motor vehicles.”

Problems have been reported at Fens Pool Nature Reserve, Mullet Park, Barrow Hill Nature Reserve, green space in Russells Hall, Buckpool Nature Reserve, Woodside Park and Marsh Park.

These will be the areas covered by the PSPO.

The order will give police officers and authorised council officers the power to issue fines of up to £100 for those caught using an unauthorised motorised vehicle on any of the green spaces affected.

Failure to pay the notice may lead to prosecution, which could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

As well as this, the vehicle itself could also be taken away.

Green space open to the public at Milking Bank, Pensnett Technical College, Lapwood Avenue/Ketley Fields, and Pheasant Street will also be covered.

Anyone who wants to report incidents of motorised vehicles in public spaces can contact officers at Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345.