Darlington council targets e-scooter and biker anti-social behaviour

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 21:21 · Archive

Darlington Borough Council has approved a new anti-social behaviour policy targeting nuisance e-scooters, motorbikes and riders wearing balaclavas.

Darlington Borough Council's cabinet approved new rules covering the anti-social use and storage of vehicles at a meeting on 3 November. The council said the issue had caused particular concern among tenants and councillors in recent years, leading to the dedicated section in its new Housing Services Anti-Social Behaviour Policy.

Under the policy, anti-social behaviour includes riding motorbikes, quad bikes, e-scooters and mopeds anywhere other than roads and authorised tracks, as well as dangerous or reckless riding, intimidating or harassing residents, and wearing balaclavas or other face coverings. Officers can gather evidence through diary sheets, noise-recording equipment and body-worn video.

Action against those responsible could range from warning letters and tenancy breach notices to fixed penalty notices, injunctions and closure orders. In more serious cases, the council could begin possession proceedings against a tenant. Councillor Matthew Roche, cabinet member for health and housing, said the changes would give housing services another way to tackle dangerous off-road bikes. He said the council would initially try to resolve problems and find ways of bringing people together before taking enforcement action.

How it is being reported

• Darlington council sets sights on e-scooter and balaclava-clad biker crackdownNuisance e-scooters, motorbikes and riders wearing balaclavas are being targeted under new anti-social behaviour policy agreed in Darlington.Darlington & Stockton Times · 4 Nov, 20:00
• Darlington council sets sights on e-scooter and balaclava-clad biker crackdownNuisance e-scooters, motorbikes and riders wearing balaclavas are being targeted under new anti-social behaviour policy agreed in Darlington.The Northern Echo · 4 Nov, 17:30

In this story: Darlington Borough Council · Matthew Roche · Darlington

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