boomer
16 June 2001, 16:05
Well the local press have been working overtime on this, see the Sutton Coldfield Observer article from Ben Bentley (international crime correspondent http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/wink.gif )
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR><I>Plea as biker get-togethers continue to grow</I>
<B>Bikers are a 'drain' on vital police funds</B>
by Ben Bentley Crime Reporter
Police have admitted a mass Sutton biker rally which this week attracted around 2,500 people is a huge drain on resources.
Three forces from the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Warwickshire converged on Bassett's Pole to avert potentially tragic accidents.
A police helicopter has also been used to monitor the event from the skies.
But officers say limited manpower would be better deployed policing the community.
Although officers insist the operation does not pose extra financial burdens, police are being taken off their normal patrols for the duration of the event.
But Sergeant Ron Drake, of Warwickshire police, said they had little choice but to draft in extra manpower for the weekly Tuesday evening events. "We would prefer to allocate our limited resources to policing in line with our objectives," he said.
"However, we appreciate that the increased numbers of spectators who attend this event now present genuine safety concerns that need addressing."
Although no arrests were made at this week's event on Tuesday, June 12, 11 people - including five bikers - were issued with spot fines for speeding.
Some have been clocked travelling at up to 80mph and police fear one mistake could spell tragedy as hundreds of spectators line the surrounding roads.
Officers say they are putting themselves at risk by standing in the road on sharp bends in order to watch the high-powered bikes - and cars - perform at speed, parking dangerously and blocking public access tothe Bassett's Pole pub and McDonalds restaurant.
Sergeant Jonathon Staite, of Staffordshire police, added: "As well as bikers and spectators being injured or killed by a high-speed accident, we are also concerned about unsuspecting motorists who might suddenly be faced with such a massive roadside crowd and distraction."
And acting Sergeant Andy Collins, of Sutton traffic division, said the rallies are threatening to jeopardise the town's road safety reputation as one of the safest in the Midlands.
<I>'We appreciate that the increased numbers of spectators who attend this event now present genuine safety concerns that need addressing'</I><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
and the more restrained Sutton Coldfield News...
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR><B>Action on bikes danger</B>
Three Midlands police forces have announced more details of their road safety operation to combat dangerous driving at a Bassetts Pole bikers' gathering.
Police from the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Warwickshire are joining forces to urge those at the event to think more carefully about their own safety and that of other road users and spectators.
Hundreds of bikers have been gathering at the site on a weekly basis creating problems with parking at the nearby McDonalds and the local family pub. As of this week, roadside and verge parking in the area has been banned. Police patrol cars will in the area to take action against speeding or foolish riding or parking. Sgt Ron Drake of Coleshill Police said, "We would prefer to allocate our limited resources to policing the county. However, we appreciate that the increased numbers of spectators who attend this event now present genuine safety concerns that need addressing.
"We have a clear responsibility to ensure that the law is enforced, and officers will not hesitate to issue fixed penalty notices when they see road users breaching that law."
Sgt Jonathan Staite of Staffordshire police said, "Although this is a peaceful gathering, it is now far too big for the site, and the bikers and people who watch them ride on the nearby roads seem oblivious to the obvious potential for tragedy."
Seventeen fixed penalty notices were issued at this week's rally.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR><I>Plea as biker get-togethers continue to grow</I>
<B>Bikers are a 'drain' on vital police funds</B>
by Ben Bentley Crime Reporter
Police have admitted a mass Sutton biker rally which this week attracted around 2,500 people is a huge drain on resources.
Three forces from the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Warwickshire converged on Bassett's Pole to avert potentially tragic accidents.
A police helicopter has also been used to monitor the event from the skies.
But officers say limited manpower would be better deployed policing the community.
Although officers insist the operation does not pose extra financial burdens, police are being taken off their normal patrols for the duration of the event.
But Sergeant Ron Drake, of Warwickshire police, said they had little choice but to draft in extra manpower for the weekly Tuesday evening events. "We would prefer to allocate our limited resources to policing in line with our objectives," he said.
"However, we appreciate that the increased numbers of spectators who attend this event now present genuine safety concerns that need addressing."
Although no arrests were made at this week's event on Tuesday, June 12, 11 people - including five bikers - were issued with spot fines for speeding.
Some have been clocked travelling at up to 80mph and police fear one mistake could spell tragedy as hundreds of spectators line the surrounding roads.
Officers say they are putting themselves at risk by standing in the road on sharp bends in order to watch the high-powered bikes - and cars - perform at speed, parking dangerously and blocking public access tothe Bassett's Pole pub and McDonalds restaurant.
Sergeant Jonathon Staite, of Staffordshire police, added: "As well as bikers and spectators being injured or killed by a high-speed accident, we are also concerned about unsuspecting motorists who might suddenly be faced with such a massive roadside crowd and distraction."
And acting Sergeant Andy Collins, of Sutton traffic division, said the rallies are threatening to jeopardise the town's road safety reputation as one of the safest in the Midlands.
<I>'We appreciate that the increased numbers of spectators who attend this event now present genuine safety concerns that need addressing'</I><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
and the more restrained Sutton Coldfield News...
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR><B>Action on bikes danger</B>
Three Midlands police forces have announced more details of their road safety operation to combat dangerous driving at a Bassetts Pole bikers' gathering.
Police from the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Warwickshire are joining forces to urge those at the event to think more carefully about their own safety and that of other road users and spectators.
Hundreds of bikers have been gathering at the site on a weekly basis creating problems with parking at the nearby McDonalds and the local family pub. As of this week, roadside and verge parking in the area has been banned. Police patrol cars will in the area to take action against speeding or foolish riding or parking. Sgt Ron Drake of Coleshill Police said, "We would prefer to allocate our limited resources to policing the county. However, we appreciate that the increased numbers of spectators who attend this event now present genuine safety concerns that need addressing.
"We have a clear responsibility to ensure that the law is enforced, and officers will not hesitate to issue fixed penalty notices when they see road users breaching that law."
Sgt Jonathan Staite of Staffordshire police said, "Although this is a peaceful gathering, it is now far too big for the site, and the bikers and people who watch them ride on the nearby roads seem oblivious to the obvious potential for tragedy."
Seventeen fixed penalty notices were issued at this week's rally.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>