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Over recent months, the issue of e-bikes, off-road bikes and e-scooters being used inappropriately on the streets of North Wales is one that many residents of the region have brought up with Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin. A number of recent accidents and injuries caused to pedestrians have also brought this issue into even sharper focus. During Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week – which runs from 18-24 November – the PCC is pledging to further act on this key concern on behalf of residents and to make the streets of North Wales safer for all. And the Commissioner’s work in this area has already begun.
At the recent Strategic Executive Board meeting of North Wales Police on 30 October, he conducted a review of Road Safety to look into the issue of e-bikes and other similar forms of transport. At the meeting, Andy Dunbobbin and his team met with the Chief Officers of North Wales Police to review overall Force performance, including against the priorities in the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan.
The Chief Constable provided an update on North Wales Police performance and how North Wales Police are approaching the issue of off-road motorcycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters.
Officers from North Wales Police have carried out initiatives in the past such as Operation Blue Takeoff to tackle the illegal use of off-road bikes and to seize them if necessary. Earlier this year, Rural Crime Team officers also launched an operation targeting off-road bikes being ridden illegally anti-socially in rural areas of Wrexham, Denbighshire and Flintshire.
The PCC is currently writing his Police and Crime Plan for North Wales, which will set priorities for policing in the area for the next four years. This plan has been prepared following a consultation that took place with thousands of local people over the summer. The issue of e-bikes and e-scooters being ridden inappropriately is likely to feature in the plan and the PCC plans to hold the Chief Constable to account to ensure appropriate resources are devoted to dealing with the issue and that Police campaigns continue to make the streets safer for all users. He will also aim to work with the UK and Welsh Government to introduce new legislation to protect communities from ASB associated with e-bikes and e-scooters.
Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, commented: “The issue of e-bikes, e-scooters and also off-road bikes, being ridden inappropriately is one that has been raised with me time and again in recent months. It was a key topic mentioned by many people during the public consultation I recently undertook for my forthcoming Police and Crime Plan for North Wales.
“Members of the region’s Police and Crime Panel have also relayed the concerns of their communities on the subject at meetings I have had with them. The safety of these bikes and scooters is therefore clearly of importance to many residents of North Wales and recent accidents have shown that it is an area where we need to remain vigilant. The Police are developing ways to tackle when they are used for anti-social behaviour, an approach which I fully support.
“As PCC, I remain committed to working with the Chief Constable to address public concerns around e-bikes, e-scooters and off-road bikes. Many riders use e-scooters and e-bikes appropriately and with concern for pedestrians, but there is a minority who do not and they must know their behaviour is unacceptable. I am determined that our streets should be safe for all, whether they are pedestrians, riders or drivers – there is no excuse for putting others in danger or causing injuries by reckless riding.”
For more information about ASB in North Wales and how to report it, visit: www.northwales.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/asb/asb/antisocial-behaviour