Noise Control – Noise from Motorbike Scrambling
Motorbike Scramblers And Landowners Be Warned
A growing number of complaints are being received by Bridgend County Borough Council's public protection department from residents who are being subjected to the incessant noise nuisance caused by motorbike scrambling.
The council has received complaints from residents living in Cefn Glas and many other areas around the county borough about this nuisance behaviour and they warn that legal action can be taken against both users of nuisance motorbike scramblers and landowners.
Legal action can be taken against individual landowners who permit the use of scrambling on their land or where access can be easily gained to the land which could otherwise be prevented if the noise amounts to a statutory nuisance. However, in the majority of cases, the scrambling bikes are often being ridden illegally, without the consent of the landowner. In such cases, the public protection department can take action against individuals responsible for the noise nuisance by serving an Abatement Notice under Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to prevent the recurrence of the nuisance.
Failure to comply with the Abatement Notice is an offence which can result in fines of up to £5,000 being imposed upon conviction, with a further daily fine of up to £500 for each day that the offence continues after conviction. The council is also empowered to confiscate the scrambling bikes for non-compliance with the notice.
Furthermore, scramblers should be aware that South Wales Police have powers under The Police (Retention and Disposal of Motor Vehicles) Regulations 2002 to confiscate scrambling bikes being ridden in a manner which causes a nuisance.
It is appreciated that there are a lack of facilities available in the county borough for this type of activity. However, parents are requested to ensure that they do no permit their children to ride on areas of land that are likely to give rise to complaints of noise to prevent formal action being taken both by the local authority and South Wales Police.
Contact Us
Public Protection Department
Environmental and Planning Services Directorate
Bridgend County Borough Council
Civic Offices
Angel Street
Bridgend
CF31 4WB
Telephone (01656) 643260
Fax (01656) 643285
Email publicprotection@bridgend.gov.uk
- Last Updated: 24/11/2006
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