FOUR more quad bikes have been seized across Bradford district recently by an officer from the Bradford ASB Bike team.

The reasons ranged from anti-social use, failing to stop for Police and a number of road traffic offences.

The quads vary in design and features but are all capable of high speeds.

West Yorkshire Police say these vehicles are seen more and more throughout the district when the weather is warm and sunny but are often used illegally or anti-socially and are a regular source of complaint for residents across Bradford and Keighley.

Pc Hitchcocks said: “While quad bikes are often seen as a fun way to travel, some riders are often unaware of the legal requirements they need to comply with as well as the danger they place themselves and members of the public in. 

"While there is no requirement to wear a helmet while riding a quad bike, many insurance companies insist one should be worn as part of the terms of the policy.

"Failure to do so could possibly invalidate a policy or hinder a claim. Common sense should dictate that it is always safer to wear a helmet while using a quad bike anyway.

"Many riders carry pillion passengers when the quad is only designed for the rider to travel alone. Doing so puts the quad at risk of a component failure as well as the risk of injury to both rider and pillion.

"Most quads have a sticker or plate affixed that specifies no pillion should be carried. A visual check for the amount of footrests should also make this clear to the rider.

"While quads are able to be used on the road, they are essentially an off road vehicle and their handling characteristics are very different while on tarmac. High speeds and poor rider control can easily lead to a loss of control and injury to the rider and others.

"If used on the road, the quad needs to comply with road traffic law and as such, must have a legal number plate fixed in a rigid position at the rear.

"Road legal lighting must be fitted and operative. Tyres must be in good condition and of a legal tread depth.

"Any quad riders found to be breaching road traffic law, riding illegally or behaving anti-socially can expect the police to take robust action and may face a fine, points and even see their vehicle being taken away on a recovery vehicle.

"Follow the rules, obey the law, act responsibly and you can continue to enjoy using your quad bike safely throughout the summer.”

The bike team will be monitoring quad bike use across the district over the summer and beyond, taking appropriate action should they witness something illegal or anti-social during their patrols.

To date, 770 vehicles have been seized by the team across the district for a range of offences with over 830 section 59 warnings being issued along with numerous prosecutions for road traffic offences.

Anyone witnessing illegal or anti-social behaviour is encouraged to contact the police with information including identities, registration numbers, location and storage locations for the offending vehicles.

The team can be contacted on: Non-emergency telephone number 101 or on email at: bdasbbiketeam@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

The illegal, dangerous or anti-social use of vehicles (along with dash cam footage) can be reported to:
bd.steerside@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk