Newcastle-under-Lyme council propose a ban on gatherings of two or more motorcycles as part of ‘car cruising’ crackdown

Bike meets and group rides in the West Midlands could be outlawed as a council looks to ban gatherings of two or more vehicles and forbid groups from riding in convoy.

The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) drafted by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council would prohibit any vehicles gathering on roads or public spaces – unless official approval has been granted. Anyone in breach of the order would be liable for a fine or a fixed penalty notice of £100.

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The order has been put forward in an attempt to crack down on ‘car cruising’, which the council says has caused a negative impact on the well-being of residents.

Councillor Gill Heesom said: “Residents, visitors and businesses have repeatedly told us – and Staffordshire Police – that car cruising in public places is causing them significant disruption and misery with booming music, loud exhausts, dangerous driving and wheel spinning, often late at night.

“It’s clear that this activity is having a detrimental impact on people’s quality of life so we want to put a stop to it and a PSPO would allow us to achieve that. The council is planning to adopt the PSPO towards the end of the year but is keen to hear from residents and other stakeholders first.”

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Following the announcement, MCN spoke with Staffordshire Police, who said that only specific road users would be targeted.

“Officers are looking to challenge those that persistently have a negative impact on our
communities, not those that are using vehicles for charity and legitimate purposes,” the force said.

“Those that are taking part in charity rideouts or similar would not fall under the remit of the order. Like with any legislation, officers can use their discretion around enforcement. Giving advice and information would be an option for officers before considering the issuing of any fines.”

Neil Greig, Policy Advisor for IAM RoadSmart, said: “We share the concern with regards to legitimate motorcycle use being lumped in alongside car cruising.

“Even training activities such as BikeSafe involve riding in convoy, so whilst it’s very well to clamp down on something that’s causing problems, we certainly wouldn’t want it to be seen as a precedent for a wider clampdown.

“That said, motorcyclists do tend to have a bad image, but we can help change that by setting a good example. That means when riding out with friends; don’t ride in large convoys and avoid mass overtakes. Share the road and put yourself in the mind of drivers.”

Visit newcastle-staffs.gov.uk to comment on the proposals.