Throughout April and May, Hoyland Safer Neighbourhood Tearm (SNT) has been running an operation to target off-road biking on streets, woods, private and other public land.

Various locations throughout Barnsley are being used, particularly playing fields in Jump and farmer’s fields in Hoyland. Such activities have caused considerable damage to the landscape as well as creating a nuisance for locals.

In the last week, four off-road bikes were seized by the SNT after continued efforts to enforce a ‘zero tolerance’ message.  Offenders caught for the first time will be issued with a warning that is valid for 12 months. If he/she is caught riding again within the following year, he/she will have their bike seized. It costs £150 to recover a seized bike and £20 a day for storage.

The SNT will continue to carry out high visibility patrols throughout the area to deter and catch offenders and will respond quickly to any information provided by members of the public.

PC Paul Davies, of the Hoyland SNT, said: “Illegal biking is a problem for police in Barnsley because riders pose a great danger to other road users, pedestrians and also themselves.

“Anyone who does think of purchasing an off-road or quad bike needs to ensure it is registered, taxed and insured and where it can be ridden legally and safely. There are no legally designated sites in Barnsley. A landowner must give direct permission for bikers to legally use their land.”