Home   Medway   News   Article

Clampdown on off-road bikers following reports of anti-social riding at Barnfield Park in Chatham

Measures to tackle off-road bikes at public parks are set to be confirmed this week.

Medway Council will discuss the introduction of a new Public Space Protection Order on Thursday, giving council officers the power to issue fixed penalty notices to anti-social riders.

A biker gestures at a dog walker after riding past them at Barnfield Recreation Ground on September 3
A biker gestures at a dog walker after riding past them at Barnfield Recreation Ground on September 3

The action follows calls from residents near Barnfield Recreation Ground in Chatham, who have been reporting anti-social bikes at the park, since the beginning of the year.

The recommendation to the council is to approve the PSPO, which would cover the whole of Medway.

A report due to go before the council stated: “PSPOs provide councils with a flexible power to implement local restrictions to address a range of anti-social behaviour issues in public places in order to prevent future problems.

“An order should help to significantly reduce incidents of relevant ASB in the area over the long-term and improve the quality of life for residents, visitors and local businesses.

“PSPOs have the power to fine people – failure to comply could lead to arrest. Kent Police will continue to patrol and respond to incidents as part of their community response. However, the council have delegated powers to the Community Safety Team that already work in Medway which enables them to enforce the new PSPO.”

Damage left by riders at Barnfield Recreation Ground
Damage left by riders at Barnfield Recreation Ground
Off-road bikers at Barnfield Recreation Ground
Off-road bikers at Barnfield Recreation Ground

Twitter user @BarnfieldBikes has continued to report regular instances of bikes at the park, most recently stating: “Antisocial behaviour as a result of petrol & electric motorbikes / quads remain a daily problem on Barnfield Recreation Ground. Residents demand that the PSPO is brought in immediately. Residents deserve better.”

A Medway Council spokesman added: “We are doing everything we can to tackle reports of nuisance vehicles at Barnfield Recreation Ground. This includes working with partner agencies, including the police.

“We have CCTV cameras at the recreation ground and footage can be used as evidence in criminal investigations, carried out by the police.

“We would encourage residents to continue reporting incidents of nuisance vehicles to the police.”

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More