Local MP for Hastings and Rye, Sally-Ann Hart, has today called time on the excessive noise and speeding being caused by some motorcyclists.
Following recent enquires from constituents, Sally-Ann had this to say “living in Udimore myself, I have had first-hand experience of the increase in speeding and noise along our country lanes. I am clearly not alone. Constituents from across Rye and surrounding villages have been writing in complaining about the noticeable increase, since the Covid-19 lockdown began, in noise and speeding especially from motorbikes.
“Well, I am now calling time on this nuisance practice. In the coming weeks I will be meeting with Sussex Police to work through a plan of action to bring this bothersome practice to an end. The winding lanes in East Sussex may seem enticing to use as a racetrack, but this simply cannot go on. These activities show no respect to local residents or the surrounding environment. It has to stop.”
Sally-Ann is now working with Sussex Police and the local community to find ways in which the excessive noise levels can be tackled, and that speeding motorcyclists are caught and face the full force of the law. Moreover, Sally-Ann has written to the Minister responsible to ask that the penalties currently in place for altering exhausts or baffles are reviewed and tightened up, so that they act as more of a deterrence.
“I am encouraged by trials that are taking place across the country, such as acoustic cameras that measure noise levels, and might be able to identify vehicles making excessive noise. There is work to be done here to find innovative ways to catch the motorcyclists who are partaking in these disrespectful activities. I do want to recognise that this is a minority of motorcyclists who are giving the majority a bad name, and that is also cause for finding out who they are and bringing an end to the excessive noise and speeding,” said Sally-Ann.