05 March 2007

Crack down on illegal bikes

Torfaen MP Paul Murphy has this week called for action to deal with the illegal use of off-road bikes, after voting in Parliament for a Bill aiming to tackle the problem.

Paul Murphy said: “The illegal use of off-road bikes can make peoples’ lives a misery. I have had dozens of calls from constituents alarmed about the noise and damage caused around their houses by people using these vehicles illegally. That’s why I have supported a Bill in the House of Commons that aims to tackle the problem by introducing a registration scheme.”

The Bill, introduced by Manchester Labour MP Graham Stringer, would mean that people selling mini-bikes would have to ensure they met certain registration standards. People buying the bikes would then have to be registered as keepers.

Paul Murphy added: “A registration scheme could help the Police tackle the problem. This is a key anti-social behaviour issue in our area. Lynne Neagle AM and I have organised several meetings with local residents, the Police and the Council to look into what can be done to tackle the problem locally. Lynne has also set up a working group to look into the issue.”

After a majority of MPs voted to give the Bill a further hearing, Paul Murphy said: “I welcome the fact that MPs will now be able to raise this issue in more detail. This appears to be a problem right around the country, as well as locally.”

“I am pleased that the Government has at least offered a full review of laws to tackle the menace that can be caused by these bikes. If Free Press readers experience problems with illegal bikers, I would encourage them to contact the Police, and get in touch with Lynne Neagle or myself.”

NOTES
The Off Road Vehicles (Registration) Bill was put forward as a Private Member’s Bill by Graham Stringer MP. Private Member’s Bills are introduced by backbench MPs independently of their political parties. The Bills are introduced to the Commons for initial debate. Other MPs then have a free vote as to whether to give them more detailed consideration, by voting for or against the Bill. Paul Murphy voted for.

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