Is this real?

Completely bizarre and illegal.

 

Sounds like somone should organise a ride out to Harlow.

 

Just bare in mind that not everything on Face-ache is actually true.

 

Agreed. But in this case it seems correct.

http://www.harlowstar.co.uk/Harlow-...ide-outs-eve/story-29297775-detail/story.html

http://www.harlow.gov.uk/pr16-24

 

I've just had quite a thorough look on the ITV News website and couldn't find it anywhere. I'm not saying it's not there, but it seems a bit odd to me that it's not that easy to find - if it is even there at all?

 

Now that is interesting! It would appear that the 'biker' ban is in fact a "bad behaviour ban" in certain residential areas of Harlow for peeps riding quads, mopeds and pit bikes as well as bikes and part of the ban is for 'Common Ground' - ie off-road.

To me it seems like the local authority is having a problem with oiks riding 2 and 4 wheelers on and off-road and are using this supposed legal move to stop them. I can imagine all these special individuals obeying this regulation, can't you?

 

Yes they list about 12 forms of behaviour they are trying to stop. I more or less agree with all of them except Riding in a Convoy.

 

Here's an update on this - Harlow Council have not withdrawn the injunction but have apologised to "the biking community" and explained why it was introduced and who it was targeted at.

Harlow Council has received a number of concerns and questions raised in response to the injunction granted by Chelmsford County Court on 19 May 2016.

The purpose of the injunction is not and has never been about stopping those responsible riders or drivers from enjoying using their vehicles in a lawful manner.

Harlow Council is very sorry that this issue has upset and angered the wider biking community. This was never our intention and we hope the below helps explain the reasons for applying for the injunction and who it is ultimately targeted at.

Harlow Council and Essex Police wants to make it clear that anyone riding bikes lawfully in Harlow on the road to either meet up with friends, including driving in a convoy; drive through the town; learn to ride or teach others, or take part in a charity event, will not be served with the injunction. This is the same for anyone driving a motor vehicle.

If an event is to be organised for charity or any other occasion, which would mean a significant number of people attending, then the Council via [email protected] and Police should be informed so arrangements can be made to support the event.

The main aim of the injunction was to stop an unauthorised ride out event taking place on Saturday 22 May 2016, which would have attracted hundreds of young people on motorbikes and bystanders. Following a previous event held, both the Council and the Police had serious concerns about the danger this event would pose to the public, to those taking part and the wider impact on the community. Despite the Council and Police's attempts to work with and talk to the organisers there was no response. As a result of the injunction this event did not go ahead.

The injunction also aims to target a growing problem of groups of people creating a nuisance by riding bikes illegally on the streets, public highways and on green spaces in Harlow. It is these unauthorised ride outs, and these only, which are the target of this injunction. Not only do these unauthorised ride outs cause nuisance to communities, it also puts the safety of the wider public and the riders at serious risk. Concerns are being raised by Harlow residents about persistent unauthorised gatherings causing a nuisance and antisocial behaviour, and the Council, supported by the Police, had to listen and act.
The injunction will therefore only be served and enforced on people who are gathering and causing a nuisance and carrying out antisocial behaviour.

The injunction does not distract from the Police's existing powers. It is simply one of a number of measures in place to deal with this specific problem being experienced in Harlow.

This year the Essex Police have received 121 calls about motorbikes, quad bikes, pit bikes and mopeds being ridden illegally or in an antisocial manner in Harlow between March and May. This compares to 74 during the same time last year.

The Council and the Police are working together to target the issue and have written to all parents/guardians of year 11 pupils and above in the town and attended school assemblies. The Police are also patrolling hotspot areas in the town, seizing bikes being ridden illegally and issuing warning notices under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002. We are also working with petrol stations to crack down on petrol being sold to under-16s and are distributing leaflets to young people.

 

Seems like yet another 'sledgehammer to crack a nut' scenario to me. The Police already have all the powers to deal with this 'nuisance'.

And irrespective of what Harlow Council says this could be used against normal bikers, especially if an arsey copper got involved.

 

"Earth calling Chiari1, come in Chiari1"

 

Arsey copper. Is that a member of the Constabulary with a big bottom.?