Well the local press have been working overtime on this, see the Sutton Coldfield Observer article from Ben Bentley (international crime correspondent )


<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>

 

So (in reply to my own post),

How come the Observer says "Bikers are a 'drain' on vital police funds" as a big eye-catching headline, yet only a couple of inches down it says "...officers insist the operation does not pose extra financial burdens" - Nice consistent reporting hey Ben!!!

Also, how come the Observer said that ELEVEN people were nicked, the SCN said that it was SEVENTEEN!?!?!?

Oh, and as for the "Some have been clocked travelling at up to 80mph" statement - bear in mind that Bassett's Pole roundabout connects three dual carriageway (speed limit 70mph) and two GLFs (speed limit 60mph) with NO SCHOOLS, NO HOUSES, NO HOSPITALS or any other vulnerable group!!! 80mph on an open, junction-less dual carriageway (such as the A38 Sutton Coldfield by-pass) is hardly treason!

There is just a pub (who welcome the increase in trade) and a McDonalds (who welcome the increase in trade).

Be part of the crowd!

mb

 

Where is the best place to park, along with the rest of the scoobies, also what is the best time to get their?

 

Hardy

Last week the police wouldn't let anyone park on the grass opposite (which is the best place to park) but they may not go to such lengths this week. If you get there around seven then park in Mc Donalds, there will be three or four of us there so look out for us.

 

Could you tell me were Bassets Pole is and may be i would be able to come along

 

Did anyone go?

mb (Stuck down in Duxford for the night)

 

Yes there were 2 of us on Macas car park from 7.00 and two million bikes.There was also a green turbo down by the big gates but we didnt meet up with them.We saw 2 going up and the road(red one and a blue one) but they could not get on the car park but when we left we waved to them on the way home.Next time can i suggest parking down by the gates so you are not stuck on Macas car park for 2'1/2hrs.

[This message has been edited by ANDYMCC (edited 21 June 2001).]

 

Andy,

The green one was me )
Seeing as this was my 1st time, i did not know where to park, mcdonalds was closed off to cars by this time, so I had to stick it infront of the big gates.......Also saw the other 2 as I was leaving...but dont think they could find anywhere to park either

 

Hardy
This to was my 1st time and i came across Neil in Macas car park, i think you had the best place to park because we were stuck in the carpark until 9.30ish.Did you see us surrounded by all the bikes.

 

Hi I was in the DBM I flashed at a terzo or light blue car as it left mc donalds. Saw the dark green one but couldn't find an owner. I couldn't get there till late so me and the red one parked in a lay-by till 8:30 then we were able to get in and meet up with Niel. I think the police have spoke to both the managers and told the not to let cars in after a certain time. I've never had this problem parking before so next week I'll make sure im there for seven, then I can meet up with you all.

 

So guys, where are we all going to park then on tuesday ?
I did try and park in the bassett's pole pub, but the guy would not let me in unless I had booked a table at the resturant! So I stuck it by the big gates

 

Got most of the way there until a mate of mine got a puncture on his Hornet! Waited for a while for the AA man to get to us and fix it! The AA man then proceeded to park in the left ahd lane of the dual carriageway just off the M42 junction with the A446. Two cars nearly ran into the back of the van, not to mention bikes coming round the bend in both lanes. Felt like moving the damn thing myself!

Anyway, did anyone spot the old black montego estate opposite the Belfry with a mobile Gatso infront of it. Two coppers in the car seemed to be enjoying themselves. Ker-ching. Grrrrrr!

Matt

 

I am sad that i missed last weeks "pole", and it looks like i will miss the next one n'all

Maybe we should reserve a table at the pub, and all turn up "en mass" to park and eat. Perhaps we should even reserve parking spaces!

As for the mobile gatso - i suppose they have to be expected. Shame for any people just passing through though. 60mph on the A446 isn't particularly fast (heck 80mph on the n-bend just North of the Belfry is easily achievable er, so i am told).

If only the Police would use the event as an education/communication opportunity, rather than a muscle-flexing showcase, then perhaps they would get a little more respect.

For some reason, Ben (the caped crusader) Bentley didn't write another anti-meet diatribe this week. However, there was the following letter...

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR><B>Police should leave bikers alone</B>

What a pathetic piece of uninformed writing from your 'hack' last Friday ('Bikers are a drain on vital Police funds').

Why was this piece written by a crime reporter - what heinous crimes were being committed that required his involvement - mugging old ladies, burglary, looting and pillaging?

Where was the other viewpoint?

Why did this operation require the combined efforts of three police forces - I didn't spot more than a dozen or so officers most of whom looked bored and disinterested. Maybe they are more keen to do some real police work than their superiors are? Maybe it took three forces to put out the traffic cones that so brightened up the surrounding roads.

And what was the purpose of these cones - yes, to stop CARS from parking illegally, stopping Mr and Mrs and their two kids (who make up a large proportion of the attendance) from having a look at the nice shiny, immaculately maintained motorbikes.

If the police would prefer to allocate their resources to 'policing in line with their objectives' then why don't they do just that instead of picking on easy targets.

As for using a Police helicopter, for heavens sake what a complete over reaction!

Personally I'm not sure what the Police's objectives are - let's be honest the only time you see police is when they're pointing a speed gun at you, in the few areas where they haven't erected speed cameras which, as we all know, are only there for our safety not so the police can make lots of easy money They should remember that one day i they may need our help - how well disposed will people be to offer it when this sort of nonsense goes on?

I'm not saying that all motorcyclists (sounds much better than bikers don't you think?) are angels, but the vast majority are decent, honest people who just prefer their motoring to be on two wheels.

Martin Tunstall
Sutton.

<I>Editor's Note: The report in question was written by Ben Bentley, the Observer's Crime Reporter, because it originated with local police, who wanted to raise genuine concerns about safety at Bassett's Pole. As these events are unofficial there is no spokesman for us to contact for the motorcycllst's view. If any readers have an opinion on these motorcycle rallies, drop us a line.</I>
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Maybe there is sanity in the World after all!

mb