Speeding bikers 'go unchecked' (From Free Press Series)

Speeding bikers 'go unchecked'

GWENT Police are to be asked to send officers to meet councillors from the Abergavenny area because of concerns about speeding motorcycles.

At the last meeting of the Bryn y Cwm area committee it was agreed that the clerk should write to the police about the speed of some motorcycles, especially on country roads around the town.

In response, Inspector Fran Richley of Gwent Police said he was unable to guarantee that random speed enforcement would be carried out because of other commitments.

Cllr Verona Nelmes said that Monmouthshire County Council should consider charging parking fees for the motorcyclists who gather in the bus station at weekends. She added: "They only bring financial benefits to the bus station cafe, not the town in general."

The chairman, Cllr Chris Woodhouse, said: "Ninety-nine percent of them are extremely well behaved and I think they do contribute to the economy of the town, especially the garages."

Cllr Rob Griffiths said he had been asking for some time for 20mph speed zones in the town, and had already had some success with this campaign.

He added: "I would prefer that motorcyclists do not bring economic development to the town if it means I don't have to avoid them hurtling around at 80 - 90mph. I would hope the police can come up with a better solution."

Cllr Bob Wilcox said the motorcyclists raced around the country roads at 100mph on Sundays, and there was never a police officer in sight.

Councillors agreed to ask the cabinet member for highways, Cllr John Harrhy, to attend the meeting with the police.