Clamping down on illegal off-roaders in the Llanelli

 

Dyfed-Powys Police is clamping down on illegal off-roaders in the Llanelli area after a number of complaints of off-roaders riding illegally and recklessly on footpaths. Areas affected include Penyfan quarry, Delta lakes, Sandy Water park, Trimsaran (near to the racecourse), Felinfoel, and the Millennium Coastal path.

 

Illegal off-roading can cause extensive damage to land, wildlife and natural habitats, and the anti-social use of off-road vehicles can also have a wider impact on our neighbourhoods and frighten residents.

It’s not just limited to noise nuisance; it can pose significant risks for other motorists and pedestrians. 

 

Off-road bikes include a range of vehicles such as quad bikes and motorbikes, including scramblers and mini-motos. 

 

• Under Section 59 Police Reform Act 2002, officers can seize vehicles which are being used illegally, including prohibited off-road use.
• Even if someone has permission to ride a quad bike on land, if they are found to be riding “dangerously” or “carelessly” (as defined by the Road Traffic Act 1991) they would be guilty of an offence even when they are driving off-road.
• Persons riding a quad bike could on a footpath, bridleway or restricted bridleway would be guilty of an offence under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

 

Our Rural Crime officers are working with neighbourhood policing teams, Natural Resources Wales, Go Safe and the local authority to educate and engage with residents and visitors about the impact of anti-social off-road riding.

 

Llanelli Inspector Robert Evans said:

“We know that off-road bikes cause a nuisance and contribute to anti-social behaviour across our communities, and we as a force are committed to tackling those who cause problems.

We’d like to remind all members of the public – both those who live in these areas, and who travel here – that antisocial behaviour, littering, and reckless or illegal use of off-road vehicles will not be tolerated.

We want everyone to enjoy the beautiful unspoilt environment safely, responsibly, and lawfully, and as a result our officers will respond robustly to any reports of illegal or antisocial behaviour which damages the environment or threatens the safety or enjoyment of others.”

 

 

Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant, Ian Roach, added:

“The intelligence and reports provided by you, our communities, enable us to understand where there are problematic areas, as well as those who are responsible.

This behaviour will not be tolerated, and we are asking members of the public to continue supporting us to tackle this issue by providing information about off-road bikes in their area direct to us.”

 

If you are aware of who these individuals are please report it to us, either by:

Contact us online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.