Almost 100 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters seized in Preston
It's part of a police crackdown on anti-social behaviour
Almost 100 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters have been seized in Preston during a police crackdown.
Over a week, 98 illegal E-bikes, E-Scooters , electric motorbikes, off-road bikes and illegally adapted cycles have been seized from the streets in Preston as Lancashire Police continue their crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
Officers from Preston Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Roads Policing Unit targeted Preston City Centre, Plungington, Ashton and Ribbleton and seized 58 vehicles, one of which was a battery powered child’s bike.
During a separate operation earlier this month, 40 illegal vehicles were seized, many of those also under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act for not having insurance or a license. This means that they will now be crushed!
The operation also benefited from Lancashire Constabulary’s new specialist bike fleet which was unveiled last Tuesday (22nd July).
The six on and off-road bikes, equipped with lights and sirens, enable trained officers to patrol areas previously difficult to access with standard vehicles.
It is part of Operation Centurion, a county-wide initiative targeting anti-social behaviour (ASB) including the illegal use of e-bikes, e-scooters, and general motorbike nuisance.
Roads Policing Inspector, Steve Scott said:
“This has been another really successful operation and means that 98 nuisance vehicles have now been removed from the streets of Preston.
Vehicle nuisance and anti-social driving is one of the top issues raised to us by the local community through our Lancashire Talking survey and hopefully these operations show you that we are listening and we are acting on your concerns.”
Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw added:
"The dangerous and unlawful use of e-bikes and e-scooters on roads and pavements has had devastating consequences both locally and across the country. It remains one of the most pressing concerns raised by residents throughout Lancashire. Since taking office, I’ve consistently called for tougher legislation, and I welcome the new powers introduced in the Crime and Policing Bill that make it easier to seize vehicles being used illegally.
"The reckless and illegal use of e-bikes and similar vehicles has led to tragic consequences both locally and nationally and I'm pleased to see so many dangerous bikes taken off the streets, in Preston and elsewhere in the county, and the launch of a new fleet of specialist police motorcycles in direct response to this issue.
"I remain committed to ensuring our officers have the tools they need and will continue to push for the strongest possible laws to protect our communities and keep people safe."