Agenda item

Officers will provide details of the plans to address the problems around illegal motorcycle use.  Residents will be able to comment on the plans and give details of any concerns they may have.

PC Martin Birch introduced this item. It was anticipated that motorbike problems would become more of an issue over the summer.  He outlined plans to introduce a more effective system for tackling the issue.

- Martin would be the central contact, with all calls about motorbike problems brought to his attention, they would then put out to available officers.

- As a central point, Martin would be able to look at all the areas where problems were occuring.

- Resources could then be deployed in these areas and information circulated amongst officers.

A member of the Beaumont Leys Flying Club, commented that when they were out, they often spotted motorbikes being used illegally, he queried whether there was a direct phone number that could be called to report the problem immediately. Martin acknowledged the deficiencies with calling the ‘7 2s’ Police phone number, but also noted that there wouldn’t be a phone number that could be used where it could be ensured that it would always be answered. He did urge people to phone in with details of problems, so that intelligence could be gathered on the type, colour, location etc to build up a picture of the problems.

Barriers and Prevention

Simon White, from the Council’s Transport Strategy Team outlined plans which had been developed following consultation to introduce some barriers leading onto the Black Pad. Due to the lack of resources, it wasn’t possible to do all that had been requested at the current time. It was planned to install a chicane and horse stile barrier to the rear of 99 Ipswich Close and removable bollards and a stile to the rear of 30/43 Osprey Road.

Some residents expressed concern and frustration that this wasn’t what had been requested as part of the consultation process, and that it wouldn’t stop the ‘rat-running’ problems. Simon explained that further measures could be looked at in the new financial year.

The Chair also commented that she thought that it was agreed to install 3 fixed preventive measures rather than 2. Simon explained that it wasn’t possible to put the third proposed measure in because finances wouldn’t allow this at the current time. He further explained that removable bollards were necessary to allow access for street sweeper vans.

Public Awareness and Raising Issues

Councillor Westley spoke of the wide ranging nature of this problem across the city. He also noted that the best way of tackling it was for the public to provide information on when and where the problem was happening. He felt that there had been successful measures undertaken which had taken a number of motorbikes off the street. He asked that an article be put in the Beaumont Leys Journal to raise public awareness on this matter. Neil Canham from Leicester Anti Social Behaviour Unit agreed with these points and also urged members of the public to report any problems, giving details of time, date, location and if people see motorbikes being stored at properties.

Facilities for Legal Use of motorbikes

There was discussion about whether facilities could be provided where motorbikes could be used legally. Neil Canham commented that there were often difficulties with finding a suitable location as well as covering staffing and other costs. Further it was often the case that young people actively enjoyed the illegal aspects of riding motorbikes in public spaces. Councillor Westley commented that staff at the new speedway track would be undertaking outreach work with young people, encouraging them to use the education facilities that will be available at the track.