Saw this posted on another site. Not too surprised really after the many road deaths in North Yorkshire. Still, seems a bit draconian, or just scare tactics?
Quote:
Police in move to seize bikers' machines
confiscating motorcycles could be very effective
Law-breaking motorcyclists could have their machines confiscated as police officers gear up for the biggest season of road safety work yet seen in North Yorkshire.
Chief Constable Della Cannings warned that bikers who break the speed limit and illegally customise their vehicles they face an unprecedented campaign of highway law enforcement this summer.
She said officers would consider taking machines away from persistent nuisance bikers, and that three new mobile video cameras would make roadside speed checks faster, safer and more efficient.
Police chiefs are acting after 28 motorcyclists died on North Yorkshire roads last year, the highest number recorded.
North Yorkshire Police Authority yesterday released £10,000 to pay for video recorders which, working with laser speed guns, could be on the streets within weeks.
Authority member David Lloyd-Williams said residents in the popular biking area of Helmsley and Bilsdale were already reporting rising numbers of weekend bikers.
He said: "Confiscating motorcycles could be very effective because people want to show off on bikes."
Assistant Chief Constable David Collins said: "The whole issue of safer roads is part of our priority to reduce serious injury and fatal road traffic accidents.
"That is going to be achieved this year through a combination of enforcement and education.
"This kit (video recorders) is the best on the market and what our professionals prefer to use. I think it will have a big impact."
After the meeting, Debbie Molyneux, of York Motorcycle Action Group, said speed cameras had a role, but they could be seen as revenue generators rather than a safety tool.
Motorcyclists were often perceived to be riding fast because of their brightly-coloured machines and high engine note, when they were riding within the law and their ability.
Police authority member Mike Doyle, an experienced motorcyclist, said bikers should not be demonised and that many bikers would benefit from daily riding, rather than just weekend trips.
He said: "Life's not so easy for those who use their bikes for daily transport rather than hurtling up the A65 for a spin on a Sunday." |
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