Local Priorities Nuisance Vehicle Use Message

Local Priorities Nuisance Vehicle Use Message

I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Nuisance Vehicle Use, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey.

🏍️ Off-Road Motorbikes in Our Mountains and Countryside: Know the Law

We understand the appeal of exploring our stunning mountain trails and countryside on a motorbike. However, it's important to remember that not all tracks, paths and open land can be used by motor vehicles. Motorcycles may only be ridden on routes where vehicular access is legally permitted.

✅ Legal off-road riding
Only ride on routes where motor vehicles are permitted, such as certain Byways Open to All Traffic and other authorised vehicular rights of way.
Ensure your bike is road legal, insured, taxed and MOT compliant where required.
Check for any Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) or seasonal closures before riding.

❌ Illegal off-road ridingIt is an offence to ride on:
Footpaths
Bridleways
Restricted byways
Common land
Mountains, moorland or private land without lawful access or permission.

⚖️ What are the consequences?Riders found using motorcycles illegally off-road may face:
🚫 Fines of up to £1,000 for certain off-road riding offences.
🚫 Prosecution for road traffic and public nuisance offences where appropriate.
🚫 Their motorcycle being seized by police, particularly where warnings have been ignored or offences are repeated.
🚫 Additional penalties for offences such as riding without insurance, tax, a licence, or in an anti-social manner.
🚫 Illegal riding can also cause significant damage to the environment, disturb wildlife, endanger walkers, cyclists and horse riders, and negatively impact local communities.

📞 If you witness nuisance or illegal off-road motorbike use, please report it via 101, or 999 in an emergency.
Enjoy the countryside responsibly and help keep our mountains, trails and communities safe for everyone. 🌄🚶‍♂️🚴‍♀️🐎🏍️

#ProtectingandReassuring #CommunityEngagement #ImprovingTrustandConfidence

Tackling antisocial behaviour can be a complex issue, and one which requires input and action from more than just the police.

February 2025 saw the publication of the Ministry of Justice Crime and Policing Bill: Antisocial behaviour (ASB) factsheet. This outlined a number of new measures including making powers to seize vehicles under section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 easier to use, allowing the police to react robustly and immediately to the anti-social use of motor vehicles.

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.gwent.police.uk, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. 

Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Get Involved

Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on.  Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 

Please click here to complete the survey