Bikers 'causing havoc' for residents on seafront

Bikers gathering in Plymouth's Barbican area and revving engines have been asked to be more considerate

Bikers gathering in large groups in Plymouth's Barbican area and revving engines, are "causing havoc" for residents, businesses and visitors.

Plymouth councillor Alison Raynsford is pushing for a noise camera, which can detect excess sound from nuisance vehicles, to be installed after problems in Southside Street have increased.

The St Peter and the Waterfront councillor raised the issue at this week's Plymouth City Council meeting saying noise was the main concern and adding it was causing "great anger".

A petition has also been started by members of the community calling for action to be taken.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported the councillor said: "Bikers seem to forget that Southside Street and the Barbican is a dense residential area as well as being tourist hot spot.

"Groups of bikers gather on Sundays and Thursdays en masse and rev their way along what is effectively an echo chamber because of the narrow streets and high buildings.

"The noise is really penetrating especially when children are trying to sleep or people are trying to have a quiet meal in a restaurant.

"The police are looking for any illegal adjustments on these bikes but I would ask all of the riders to be considerate, thoughtful and respectful of others who live, work and visit the area."

Plymouth City Council previously approved plans to implement a new public space protection order (PSPO) designed to crack down on ASB in nine of city's car parks, including Western Approach, after reports of large groups of motorcyclists and cars gathering, drug use and stairwells being used as toilets.

The order would give police and authorised officers the power to move people on if they were causing disruption without a legitimate parking reason.