Day of action planned to tackle anti-social riding in Northampton

Northamptonshire Police is joining forces with West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) later this month for a day of action aimed at tackling issues around anti-social and dangerous riding and driving in Northampton.

From 11am to 3pm on Thursday, August 26, the Force and WNC will be setting up stall in Market Square to speak to people about the problem of bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles being used on town centre footpaths, as well as inappropriate riding in areas including pedestrianised Abington Street, Gold Street, St Giles Street, The Drapery, Dychurch Lane, and Fish Street.

Officers will also be patrolling and issuing warnings to riders seen behaving inappropriately and, in a manner causing alarm, distress or annoyance in and around town, under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002.

Event co-organiser Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Rea Abbott-Huckin, of the Northampton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We’ve received a  lot of reports of issues with drivers and riders in the town centre, and particularly involving delivery drivers using bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles inappropriately, and in some cases dangerously.

“Together with partners, we decided to host a community engagement day to reassure people that we are acting on the reports we receive, provide information to help them make reports to us, and to provide a free bicycle security marking service for people.

“We’ll also be sharing advice on the rules for these areas with the riders and, where necessary, take action to prevent them from riding in ways that put others at risk.

“Anti-social behaviour takes many forms and tackling it is a matter of priority for the Force and working with our partners is a key part in this. We’re looking forward to seeing lots of people on the day, whether to discuss this issue or anything else they’d like to talk to us about.”

The community engagement day is being organised in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council’s Community Safety and Engagement Team.

Councillor David Smith, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Engagement, and Regulatory Services on West Northamptonshire Council, said: “We are delighted to work with partners in bringing this event to our communities and provide them with information and advice to ensure that everyone enjoys our town centres in a safe and responsible way.

“The event will not only be a great opportunity for residents and businesses to discuss with us about the issues related to dangerous riding in Northampton town centre but will also serve as a  reminder of the current legislation in place including the public spaces protection order (PSPO) and the Highways Act 1835 that prohibit bike and e-scooter riders to use the pedestrian areas in town.

“We know that when it comes bike and e-scooter riders most of our residents are doing the right thing, and we would like to thank them for this, but would also want to use this opportunity to remind bike and e-scooter users  that riding on the pavements is not allowed and doing so can result in up to £500 fine and six points on your licence for e-scooter users.

“If you use an e-scooter to get into town, please park it responsibly not obstructing the way and if you see any scooters that are not parked adequately please report them at www.voiscooters.com/report/uk/.”