Police threaten to fine Covidiots in souped-up cars and on motorcross bikes illegally taking advantage of quiet roads and parks in Lancashire

Covidiots in souped-up cars using empty streets as their personal race tracks have been warned by the police.
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Covidiots in souped-up cars using empty streets as their personal race tracks have been warned by the police.

Coronavirus restrictions – including the order for people to avoid needless journeys – has left the roads as quiet as Christmas Day even during rush hour, which some motorists are taking advantage of.

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The sight of cars belting through the streets has become almost as common as hand-drawn rainbow paintings posted in windows, while teens on motocross bikes have also been spotted rasping across parks in recent weeks.

Police are eager to identify these two lads who have been causing a nuisance on Fishwick Golf course recently (Picture: Lancashire Police)Police are eager to identify these two lads who have been causing a nuisance on Fishwick Golf course recently (Picture: Lancashire Police)
Police are eager to identify these two lads who have been causing a nuisance on Fishwick Golf course recently (Picture: Lancashire Police)

One in 10 drivers usually put their foot down to break the speed limit, but that has soared to four in 10, one north west top cop said this week, and now, inspector Andrew Trotter from Lancashire’s Road Policing Unit has issued a warning to dangerous drivers in the county.

“Our aim is to encourage and support our communities to comply fully with the restrictions, and the vast majority of people are fully complying with the guidance and advice to stop the spread of the virus,” he said.

“However, when faced with non-compliance, we can enforce the new coronavirus legislation for individuals who continue to flour the rules where public health is at risk.”

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Off-road bikes have been spotted at the former Fishwick Golf Course, Ingol Golf Club, Avenham Park, Haslam Park, and along the Guide Wheel, with police stepping up patrols.

A quad bike and scrambler bike have already been seized from two riders following noise complaints.

Two motorbike riders also received fines from police in Garstang after being caught using the quiet roads as a “race track”, according to officers.

The bikers were stopped on the A6 by the Croston Road crossroads after being stopped the week before and warned about their dangerous riding style.

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Preston Council leader Matthew Brown said it was “disappointing to see some people flaunting speed restrictions and taking advantage of the current situation to race motorbikes

through parks and golf courses”.

He said in a statement: “Emergency services are going above and beyond to serve the community at this difficult time. More than ever, now is not the time for dangerous and selfish driving that puts drivers and members of the public in danger, and risks stretching these services even further. I implore motorists to act responsibly.”