Stockton West MP Matt Vickers has renewed his call for tougher action against the illegal use of e-bikes and off-road bikes after raising the issue in the House of Commons.
Mr Vickers highlighted the impact that illegally used and modified bikes are having on communities across Stockton West, urging the Government to ensure police have the powers they need to tackle those using them for antisocial behaviour and criminality.
The intervention is the latest in Mr Vickers's long-running campaign on the issue. Throughout both this Parliament and the last, he has repeatedly called for stronger enforcement and tougher powers to remove illegally used bikes from the streets, including proposals to make it easier for police to seize vehicles used unlawfully.
Stockton's Conservative MP Matt Vickers said:
"This is an issue that residents raise with me time and time again. People are fed up with illegal e-bikes and off-road bikes being ridden through our parks, on pavements and around our estates without any regard for the law or for public safety.
"For many communities these bikes aren't just a nuisance – they're used to intimidate residents, evade the police and facilitate wider criminal activity. That's simply unacceptable.
"I've consistently pushed for tougher action because local people deserve to feel safe where they live. We need to make sure the police have the powers and resources to take these bikes off our streets and hold those responsible to account."
"Residents have heard enough promises. They want to see these bikes taken off our streets and those responsible held to account. I'll keep pressing ministers and working with Cleveland Police, Durham Constabulary and local partners until our communities get the action they deserve."
Mr Vickers has repeatedly raised the issue in Parliament, arguing that while legitimate e-bikes are an important form of sustainable transport, illegally modified bikes capable of travelling at much higher speeds pose a serious danger to pedestrians and other road users.
