Council demands action from government over surge of nuisance motorbikes

Councillors have demanded extra powers and resources to crackdown on the misuse of the nuisance bikes. 

Walsall Council’s leader Garry Perry has promised to write to the minister for crime and policing, Dame Diana Johnson, calling for stronger laws.

He added that any action taken would be in memory of seven-year-old Katnis Selezneva who was killed in a hit-and-run last summer. 

On July 27, 2023, Katnis was playing outside her home when she was struck by a 14-year-old boy on a stolen motorcycle, riding at speeds of up to 52mph.

The boy, who cannot legally be named, failed to stop before hiding the bike which was later found burnt in some bushes. 

Walsall Council launched Operation Adhesion in November 2022 to tackle off-road bikes being ridden illegally. 

While Operation Adhesion did help, members said it did not stretch far enough.

The increasing number of bikes causing havoc was raised at this week’s full council meeting. 

Councillor Perry said: “Our current enforcement measures, whilst helpful, lack the power to truly curb this behaviour.

“We need strongly supported legislation that not only restricts the supply of these machines to young people but also grants law enforcement the authority to act more swiftly in seizing the bikes without serving necessary notices.”

The notice of motion was supported unanimously by councillors with 16 standing to speak on the issue. 

Councillor Emma Morgan, of Blakenall ward, supported the move. 

She said: “Kat Selezneva was a pupil of mine. Her death 15 months ago was devastating to her family, the community and the school. I will be supporting this on behalf of residents of Blakenall and her family.”

Councillor Izzy Hussain added: “One death is one too many. These bikes are a death trap, not just for those on the streets but for those who are riding them as well. Many are riding them without helmets.”

Labour group leader cllr Matt Ward called for legislation to find the parents and put points on their licences when their children are caught misusing the bikes. 

Councillor Rose Martin said motorbikes have been seen weaving in and out of residents along High Street in Pelsall. She added: “The residents are sick to death of it.”

Councillor Pete Smith called for more resources to tackle the issue: “You can have all the laws and powers in the world but if you don’t have the resources to carry them out, it’s not much good.”

Councillor Perry concluded: “If we do anything, we do it in memory of Katnis. We lost one of our own here in Walsall. Let’s continue this fight to battle all we can to make sure the right legislation is in place on this issue that matters to local people.”