Blitz on speeding bikers at Bassett's Pole

Jul 24 2008 By Gurdip Thandi

BIKERS who turn busy Midland roads into high speed race tracks are to be targeted in high profile crackdowns during the summer.

Traffic police plan to carry out initiatives around Bassett’s Pole, near Tamworth, to clamp down on motorcyclists who are causing problems for other road users.

Staffordshire county councillor Matthew Ellis joined police and highways representatives for a road safety initiative at Bassett’s Pole where hundreds of bikers were meeting.

During the initiative many motorcyclists signed up for safety courses run by police, while one machine was confiscated by officers after the rider was found to have no insurance.

Coun Ellis said: “The motorcyclists I spoke with were critical of the dangerous and inconsiderate actions of a few riders.

“Again this year, people living along the A5, A38 and A513 are concerned at the speed of some bikes and also stunts, such as high speed wheelies, which must put other road users at risk.

“However, there are fewer complaints about very noisy motorbikes which suggests the targeted enforcement around illegally fitted exhausts is now working.”

Staffordshire Police currently runs the Ride initiative which is an educational alternative to prosecution for those who commit less serious offences.

The course raises awareness of danger, highlights the risk that motorcyclists may be putting themselves and others in and aims to change the attitudes of those caught to ride more safely.