Pontefract resident 'fed up' with illegal motorbike riders
A Pontefract resident told a meeting she is "nervous" when driving at night because of illegal motorbike riding on Baghill Lane.
The woman said she is "fed up" with illegal bikes in the area and said this summer was the worst in the 40 years she has lived in the area.
She spoke at a Pontefract South Police and Communities Together meeting at St Mary's Community Centre, Chequerfield, on November 11.
PCSO Dave Harris told the meeting: "It's a difficult one because although you can pursue it's deemed dangerous.
"These lads or lasses aren't wearing protective gear. They will be in balaclavas, the majority of them.
"We do require community intelligence as to where those bikes are coming from.”
The resident said: "What about the health and safety of the pedestrian or car driver?
"I've complained I don't know how many times to the police, to our local MP. I've got some support from the new councillors.
"I'm just fed up with it. We live on Baghill Lane, have lived there for 40 years and this summer has been the worst ever.
"I'm certainly very nervous when I'm driving, especially at night because no doubt if I knock one of them down it would be my fault."
Under section 59 powers, police can now seize any vehicle without warning as long as there is evidence showing it been used to cause nuisance.
PCSO Harris said: "We do keep trying with the bikes. We are always looking for the bikes. When we get some intel we do go and take them. We have taken a couple off Willow Park recently off lads."
The resident said: "Our other concern is speeding cars and people not obeying the highway code.”
"In Baghill Lane again, speeding cars coming down the wrong side (of the road).”
"I've complained to police and our MP. I'm not really getting anywhere with that.”
PCSO Harris said: "We have got a pro laser at Pontefract, a police hand held speed gun. Sometimes it's quite difficult, because you have obstructions on the road which can interfere with the laser.
"We will have a look at it and see what the potential is to use it on there."
PCSO Harris said over the past four weeks there has been one report of vehicle theft in Pontefract South after a Toyota four-wheel drive was stolen in Darrington.
He said there were five reports of theft and interference with motor vehicles in Willow Park, Carleton Road, Priory Chase and two at Wentbridge.
Also, there were 17 reports of criminal damage and 15 reports of anti-social behaviour.