Mansfield police issue warning to off road bikes being driven illegally

Nottinghamshire Police handed out six Section 59 warning notices to drivers on a private area of land commonly referred to as “The Desert”, near the Oak Tree lane estate on Sunday, June 5.

This gives officers the power to seize vehicles if they are being driven or ridden in an antisocial manner, after residents complained about motorists driving off-road bikes illegally.

While The Desert has been been a popular destination for off-road vehicle enthusiasts for many years, they are not legally allowed on the site because of its proximity to sites of special scientific interest.

Sergeant Andy Doran, said: “It is important that people realise that riding bikes in The Desert is no longer allowed.

“This is an area rich in wildlife that is understandably popular with walkers.

"People who drive noisy, high powered vehicles around the area are disrupting that wildlife and also causing tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage to private land.

“We also know that many of the people who access this site do so by riding and driving untaxed, uninsured vehicles on the roads and along public footpaths. This is simply not something we can allow.

“People consistently tell us that they are worried by the inappropriate use of off-road bikes and we have a duty to respond to those concerns. We issued six notices to people on Sunday and will seize their bikes if we catch them riding illegally again.”

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