Stoke-on-Trent City Council has seized a quad bike and issued a legal notice after complaints about anti-social riding in Bentilee. The action follows reports of the vehicle being used irresponsibly in the area.
Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) officers from the council worked with Staffordshire Police to investigate the complaints. Residents at two addresses have received warnings and faced tenancy enforcement action.
Safety Concerns
A resident provided photographic and video evidence that helped officers build a case for action. The footage showed riders using the quad bike without helmets or appropriate safety clothing, riding in a careless manner, and causing significant damage to grassed areas. The bike also generated significant noise nuisance.
Reports also detailed children using the vehicle unsupervised and one incident where babies were positioned on the front of the quad bike with no regard to safety.
Part of Wider Operation
The enforcement action forms part of Operation Transom, an ongoing initiative to tackle the anti-social use of off-road bikes and other nuisance vehicles across Stoke-on-Trent.
Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said the work ensures people can feel safe in their neighbourhoods. "We will take action where we have evidence that behaviour is causing nuisance or distress," she said.
Inspector Will Evans from the Stoke South local policing team added that the partnership between the council and police aims to tackle vehicle-related anti-social behaviour, which is a main concern for local people and businesses.
How to Report
Residents can report concerns about off-road bikes to Operation Transom by emailing operationtransom@stoke.gov.uk or calling 01782 233400.