YOUNG moped riders racing illegally around Norton Common in Letchworth GC have been called menaces who are endangering people.

Last weekend two riders were captured on film recklessly speeding around the Common.

“I expect these riders are uninsured. They are a menace and people walking on the common of all ages and animals risk serious injury,” said Barbara Crombie, a member of The Friends of Norton Common.

“These youngsters are riding illegally and you wonder whether their parents know they are riding these machines around the Common.

“The riders are breaking the law and I am contacting the police and hope they take action.”

Cllr Lynda Needham, leader of North Herts District Council, said: “We deplore the reckless and selfish behaviour of these individuals.

“The use of mopeds within Norton Common is against the local bylaws for the site and I would urge anyone who sees a moped being ridden on the Common to contact the police.

“This type of behaviour can put members of the public at risk and damage wildlife. It is especially disheartening for the Friends of Norton Common who have spent many hours as volunteers trying to improve things for everyone, which was recently recognised with the award of the Green Flag.”

North Herts Safer Neighbourhood Team Inspector Jason Thorne said: “We will not tolerate anyone driving any vehicle, including mopeds, in an anti-social manner on or off-road and would urge members of the public to report any incidents to police as soon as possible via the non-emergency number 0845 33 00 22.

“Anyone caught riding a moped, or any vehicle, in an anti-social manner faces the possibility of losing their vehicle under Section 59. A Section 59 order states that vehicles being driven without due care on or off road, in a manner that is likely to cause alarm, distress or harassment are subject to an initial warning.

“The warning relates to both rider and vehicle, so if someone else borrows the vehicle or they get another one the first warning is still in play. At the second warning within a 12-month period they have the vehicle confiscated, and if the vehicle is not claimed within 21 days it is either sold or scrapped.”