A new law could help Gwent Police tackle antisocial behaviour in natural beauty spots like Nant Gwyddon, the local MP has said.
The Crime and Policing Bill, introduced to Parliament by the Labour Government, is expected to become law after being backed by a majority of MPs on 10 March.
Ruth Jones, the Labour MP for Newport West and Islwyn, said it was the “biggest package” of crime and policing measures for decades.
The government’s Crime and Policing Bill also includes some of Mrs Jones’ own work by incorporating the aims of her Community and Suspended Sentences Bill. It means there will be a legal duty on offenders serving a community sentence to notify police of any changes to their name or contact details.
The Bill also promises to deliver further powers for the police by allowing them to issue new respect orders, and removing the need to issue a warning before they can seize vehicles being used antisocially.
Speaking in Parliament, Mrs Jones said: “Off-road biking is dangerous and causes a great deal of damage to our beautiful countryside. I welcome the new powers being given to the police as a result of this Bill, to seize vehicles and stop off-road biking, and the dangerous use of e-scooters on pavements.”
Later that week, Mrs Jones met with the Friends of Nant Gwyddon, a group based in Abercarn brought together by their love for the local environment.
In recent years, the community group has worked with Natural Resources Wales to create a picnic area in the valley with benches and places to play.
But, their passion often gives way to frustration and fear as off-road bikers use the forest, damaging fences, footpaths and getting into altercations with residents who want to enjoy the health benefits of the environment.
Chief Inspector Stevie Warden said Gwent Police is “committed to tackling the illegal and dangerous use of off-road vehicles and identifying those who damage land and property, or put others at risk with reckless behaviour”.
“We’ve received reports of off-road bikes being driven anti-socially in Abercarn, Cwmcarn, Crosskeys and Nant Gwyddon, and I want to reassure residents we’re listening to your concerns,” he said.
“We’re lucky to live and work in a beautiful part of the country here in Gwent, and through Operation Harley we’re continuing to plan and carry out operations using specialist equipment like drones which have seen quad bikes and mopeds seized for a variety of offences, including being used without insurance, registration or a licence, or for being driven in a dangerous or anti-social manner.
“In order for us to successfully execute these operations, we need to build an intelligence picture around who’s riding the vehicles, when and where the vehicles are being used, and where the vehicles are being stored.”
If you have any concerns about illegal off-road bikes or dangerous driving in your area, please continue to report to Gwent Police via their website, by calling them on 101 or sending a direct message via Facebook or X.