This summer the council and police are joining forces to try and end the misery and mayhem that can be cause by off-road riders – and they want you to get involved and help TARGET off-roaders.
TARGET stands for Take Action, Report it, GET it sorted! And as part of the campaign, community safety chiefs are urging residents to stick up for their own communities and let the police know when the off-roaders are out and about.
Inspector Phillip Bromley from GMP’s Road Policing Unit at Leigh, says: “The nuisance and danger caused by off road machines affects people’s quality of life. When we have sufficient evidence the offenders will be prosecuted and vehicles will be seized.
“I’m asking any parent who has purchased a machine to make sure that it is being used legally – otherwise they may find a police officer turning up at their front door with their child and see the machine being taken away to the crusher.”
In one summer alone the police in Wigan issued 28 summonses, 62 fines and seized nearly 50 motorbikes that were being ridden illegally.
Council champion for neighbourhoods, Cllr Kevin Anderson, says: “Off-roading is much more than just a nuisance. It can bring misery to entire communities and has even resulted in a number of deaths.
“If you are thinking about buying an off-road bike for your own use or for a child, please think again. You could end up facing a fine or prosecution and you’ll be making life a misery for others.”
You can report any off-road incident to Greater Manchester Police in confidence on 0161 872 5050.
Ideally they need to know where it is happening and a description of the people and vehicles involved (make, model, colour and registration).
