Operation Torque, an initiative set up by officers at Redbridge Police Station in Southampton to tackle motorcycle nuisance, has teamed up with First Bus and BlueStar buses.
PC Simon Peacock, the officer who set up the operation in 2016, is hoping to build on its success in 2018 by using CCTV evidence captured by cameras installed on buses that run through Shirley every 10 minutes.
Offences include riding without helmets, driving elsewhere than on a road and failing to stop for Police.
PC Simon Peacock said: “Since January 2016, we have secured 31 convictions relating to motorcycle nuisance in the area. Four Section 59 warning notices, two youth cautions, and two fixed penalty fines have also been issued. At the moment, four people are waiting to be sentenced for associated offences.
“In 2018, we are planning to increase those numbers by targeting specific locations and prolific offenders to secure more convictions. We rely on the community in Redbridge, Millbrook, Coxford, Lordshill, Shirley and Freemantle areas to provide us with information on riders they see on paths, in green spaces and on roads, often riding dangerously and putting not only road users but also pedestrians at risk of serious injury.
“I would like to thank those who have contacted us over the past two years who have enabled us to take action.
“Now the warmer weather is here we know we will see more of these bikes being ridden, but everyone wants to enjoy being outside in the sun without the fear of these bikers ruining their summer evenings in community parks, paths and walkways and on the roads.
“We still need the support from the community, but we want to make an even bigger impact this year by working in partnership with First Bus and BlueStar Buses.
“These companies have allowed us to utilise their camera equipment to capture evidence of people riding these motorcycles recklessly on their routes through Shirley.”
