A county councillor has raised concerns about the anti-social behaviour of a small number of motorcyclists spoiling the peace in a Tynedale town.
A bollard has been put in place in Prudhoe to try and prevent cars and vans from being directed down a narrow path by satnavs.
However, tracks left by motorbikes have damaged the area, while concerns have also been raised about noise, damage and danger to the public caused by motorbikes and quad bikes being driven dangerously and carelessly in various parts of the town.
Cllr Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe south, said: "Occasionally there are spells when motorcyclists cause disturbances in most communities, I am calling upon those doing this to consider others and ride their vehicles legally, and also for residents to contact the police or Crimestoppers at the time of any incidents."
He added: "I am in contact with the police following residents raising concerns with me about the speed, manner and noise from motorbikes and quads being ridden on grass, popular footpaths as well as roads in a dangerous manner."
While quad bikes, three-wheeled bikes, trail bikes and some other two-wheeled vehicles are built for off-road use, it is against the law to ride them in public parks or on publicly-owned land without permission from the local authority.
As with unlicensed powered vehicles, these can only be used on private roads or land with the road or land-owner’s permission.
The effect of dangerous or reckless use of a vehicle can lead to criminal damage of roads, other vehicles and surrounding property.
Drivers and riders also risk injuring themselves, other road users, cyclists and pedestrians as they do not have full control of their vehicle and their full attention on their surroundings.
Driving or riding in this way can also be used as a form of intimidation, either to other road users or the community. Loud noise from engines and music, and deliberately creating large amounts of exhaust or tyre smoke can also be seen as an aggressive act.
Members of the public can report concerns to Northumbria Police using the ‘Report’ pages of the website, or by calling 101.
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