‘This summer has been the worst’: Woman’s fears over illegal bikes and speeding cars
She told a police meeting she was ‘fed up with it’
A Pontefract woman told a police meeting she is worried about illegal motorbikes on Baghill Lane and says speeding traffic is adding to the danger.
She said the problem has left her fed up and added that this summer had been the worst in the 40 years she has lived in the area.
The comments were made at a Pontefract South Police and Communities Together meeting at St Mary's Community Centre, Chequerfield, on November 11.
PCSO Dave Harris said officers faced difficulties when dealing with the bikes. He told the meeting: "It's a difficult one because although you can pursue it's deemed dangerous.
"These lads or lasses aren't wearing protective gear. They will be in balaclavas, the majority of them.
"We do require community intelligence as to where those bikes are coming from.”
The resident responded by asking: "What about the health and safety of the pedestrian or car driver?
"I've complained I don't know how many times to the police, to our local MP. I've got some support from the new councillors.
"I'm just fed up with it. We live on Baghill Lane, have lived there for 40 years and this summer has been the worst ever.
"I'm certainly very nervous when I'm driving, especially at night because no doubt if I knock one of them down it would be my fault."
Police can use section 59 powers to seize a vehicle without warning if there is evidence it has been used to cause nuisance.
PCSO Harris said officers continued to target illegal bikes whenever information was provided. He said: "We do keep trying with the bikes. We are always looking for the bikes. When we get some intel we do go and take them. We have taken a couple off Willow Park recently off lads."
The resident also raised concerns about speeding cars and drivers not following the highway code.
She said: "In Baghill Lane again, speeding cars coming down the wrong side (of the road)."
"I've complained to police and our MP. I'm not really getting anywhere with that."
PCSO Harris said police had a pro laser speed gun available in Pontefract, but that road obstructions could make it difficult to use. He said: "We have got a pro laser at Pontefract, a police hand held speed gun. Sometimes it's quite difficult, because you have obstructions on the road which can interfere with the laser.
"We will have a look at it and see what the potential is to use it on there."
PCSO Harris also gave an update on reported crime in Pontefract South over the past four weeks. He said there had been one report of vehicle theft after a Toyota four-wheel drive was stolen in Darrington.
He said there were five reports of theft and interference with motor vehicles in Willow Park, Carleton Road, Priory Chase and two at Wentbridge.
There were also 17 reports of criminal damage and 15 reports of anti-social behaviour.