§ Caroline FlintTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what action his Department is taking to reduce motorcycle nuisance on estates and open spaces; [4909]
(2) what action he proposes to curb illegal use of motorcycles by children. [4910]
§ Mr. DenhamIn his speech to the Superintendents Association on 11 September my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary made it clear that untrained, unlicensed76W and uncontrolled off-road motorcyclists can create misery and danger in a public park or open space, and that action was needed.
Where this is a particular problem, we would expect it to be covered within the local crime and disorder strategy. There are a number of existing powers which can be brought to bear. The antisocial behaviour order provides an important tool in respect of antisocial activity by particular individuals. Other measures include provisions in the Road Traffic Acts 1988 and 1991 and, as regards excessive and avoidable noise, in the Environment Protection Act 1990. Where appropriate, local authorities can consider enacting byelaws specifically to restrict the use of motorcycles on council estates and in open public spaces. Current research is looking at aspects of unlicensed driving and motorcycle riding, and we shall consider carefully any further measures it recommends to address the issues.