OFF-ROAD bikers and car drivers who ride illegally are being targeted by public protection agencies in Hartlepool.

The Safer Hartlepool Partnership is spearheading the campaign which is targeting those who use cars or drive off-road bikes illegally and cause nuisance and danger.

The work will predominantly cover the Old Cemetery Road area, but will also offer support and enforcement to other parts of the town.

Extra patrols by Police Motorcycle Section officers will take place along with new signs that have been erected, warning of the consequences of illegal off-road motoring.

The signs will act as a permanent warning that anyone found riding or driving off-road vehicles or bikes illegally will result in the immediate seizure of the vehicle and potentially a court summons. If the vehicle is owned by a third party, this person may also be summonsed to court for allowing the vehicle to be used in such a manner.

The same consequences will apply to vehicles being used in a manner which is causing, or likely to cause, alarm, distress, or annoyance to members of the public.

There is no common land in Hartlepool where an off-road vehicle may be driven or ridden legally.

Inspector Mal Suggitt, from Hartlepool Integrated Neighbourhood Team, said: “The warning signs such as those erected in the Old Cemetery Road area have been effective in other areas of the force and I am hopeful that they will have the same outcome here.

“The signs clearly state that off-road biking in that area is an offence and that action will be taken against those that disobey the law and the vehicles will be seized immediately.”