Residents urged to report off-road vehicles

Residents of Merthyr Tydfil are being urged to report off-road vehicles in a bid to crack down on anti-social behaviour.

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is working in partnership with South Wales Police, Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association and Merthyr Valley Homes to raise awareness and ask for support from members of the community to share intelligence.

Councillor Declan Sammon, Cabinet Member for Transformation, Governance & Social Partnership, said: “Off-road biking is an issue faced in many areas, especially during the summer months, and here in Merthyr Tydfil we are no different. We regularly receive reports of nuisance off-road vehicles being driven recklessly, which is causing damage to our local environment, ruining our beautiful green spaces and causing a risk to pedestrians and other road users.

“Our comprehensive CCTV network is being used to identify incidents and perpetrators, but we still need your support, so we’re appealing to members of the public for their help. If you see an off-road vehicle, we encourage you to report it to the police by calling 101 with a description of the bike and rider, as well as the location of the offence. This will help police to act swiftly. We’re also asking for help to identify where these vehicles are being kept.

“We need your help, before someone is seriously hurt, or worse.”

Neighbourhood Police Inspector for Merthyr, Inspector Meirion Collings said: “We are aware of the pressing concern within the Merthyr Tydfil community regarding the improper use of off-road bikes.

“Off-road bikes encompass a variety of vehicles, including quad bikes, motorbikes, scramblers, and mini-motos. While these vehicles can be used on private property with the landowner's consent, it’s important to stick to the regulations set by the Road Traffic Act 1988, which bans riders from using ‘mechanically propelled’ vehicles on land without permission. This extends to common land, moorland, and any non-road areas, including footpaths, bridleways, and restricted byways.

“It is essential to note that unsurfaced unclassified roads, often referred to as green roads or green lanes, as well as byways open to all traffic, are considered roads. This means that riders must have a valid driving license and insurance, and the vehicle must be registered and taxed. Additionally, to operate on public land, such as parks, riders are required to obtain permission from the local authority.

“Both riders and their vehicles must comply with various regulations, meaning that these bikes must be approved, registered, taxed, and, when applicable, have a valid MOT to be legally used on the road.

“We are issuing a strong warning to those who persist in riding these machines illegally and, in doing so, place the public at risk. Offenders should be aware that their actions will not go unnoticed, and their vehicles may be seized. The consequences of illegal off-road biking can have far-reaching effects on our local communities, and we are firmly committed to not tolerating such behaviour.”

If you see an illegal off-road biker, you can report it to the police by calling 101. You can also do this anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers website.