Casey Council is looking to take the lead from Frankston City Council in the way the bayside town handles illegal motorbikes and their riders.– Callan Date
ILLEGAL motorbike riders in Casey may soon have their bikes confiscated and crushed.
The proposed law comes after Cr Michael Farley raised a notice of motion at last week’s council meeting asking officers to investigate Frankston City Council’s approach to motorbike riders caught riding illegally on council land.
Last October, Frankston City became the first Victorian local council to introduce a local law which empowered officers to impound illegally used monkey bikes, mini bikes and trail bikes.
Penalties include fines and the impoundment of illegally used motorbikes, which increase for subsequent offences.
Under the law the council also has the power to destroy any motorbike impounded if the owner has not paid the fines within seven days upon receiving a penalty notice.
Frankston Police have already impounded 34 motorbikes – 25 of which have been destroyed.
Cr Farley said many residents had contacted him complaining about motorbikes being used illegally on council land.
A second part of the motion outlines investigating potential locations within the municipality for a motorbike track to be established. He said a council or a private contractor should be looked at to run the track.
Cr Farley said Narre Warren South was a hot spot for illegal riders.
“The Melbourne Water catchment areas are regularly used as places to ride.”
Frankston Cr Glenn Aitken said Frankston Council had unanimously resolved to take a very strong stand on this issue.
“We are responding to our community’s concerns,” he said.
“It is another example of council working with the community and interlinking with our local police to overcome what has been a very long running problem.”
A report investigating both matters is due back to Casey Council in April.
