Off Road Motorbikes on the Black Mountains

Good Evening All,

Can I please draw your attention to the illegal act of riding a motorbike on the beautiful Black Mountains that form the southerly edge of the Golden Valley.  

We often receive complaints from members of the public regarding the illegal use of off road motorbikes on the Black Mountains, and especially on Black Hill / Offa's Dyke path that surround the Olchon Valley near to Llanveynoe, Longtown.  Section 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 provides the offence of driving a mechanically propelled vehicle (of any sort) without lawful authority on common land, moorland, or any land not forming part of a road, or on any road which is a footpath, bridleway or restricted byway.   

When motorbikes are observed on the Black Mountains they rarely carry a number plate making it extremely difficult to trace the rider(s) and deal with the offence.  Often images we receive are taken from a long distance away making identification even harder. However, over the weekend we received a good image of an off road motorbike, without a number plate, just before it was ridden on to the Black Mountains and we're now asking for your help in trying to identify the rider.  Do you recognise the bike or rider in the image below ?  If so could you please get in touch as we'd really appreciate your assistance in dealing with the issue.  If you'd like to remain anonymous then please be assured that your details won't be passed on to the offender. 

Many thanks for your help.

Kind regards

Jeff Rouse PC 3687 - Golden Valley Safer Neighbourhood Officer

jeff.rouse@westmercia.police.uk