The issues around anti-social behaviour by visiting motorcyclists and the future of parking for motorbikes at Strand Quay were discussed at the annual town meeting on 4 March.
Whilst many locals understand that Rye has long been a destination for motorcyclists and welcome the bikers, recognising that they bring business to the town, there have also been ongoing complaints from some residents and businesses about the behaviour of a small minority of riders. Problems such as inconsiderate parking on pavements, excessive engine and exhaust noise and dangerous riding in built up areas are the main reasons cited.
In his address, Mayor Andy Stuart summarised the position of the council in relation to the proposed Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the Strand, targeting anti-social behaviour which the town council requested from Rother District Council (RDC) in order to give Rother officers and the police powers to enforce. Having consulted with the police, RDC has not agreed to issue the order saying that there have not been a sufficient number of complaints.
At the town meeting, Steve Mallett of the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) stressed that it was only a small minority who were causing problems and that many of the bikers actively discouraged those that indulged in anti-social behaviour. Whilst the group encouraged bikers to ride within the legal speed and noise limits, Steve said that it was for the police and parking wardens to pick up and deal with these infringements. He said that the group had circulated “Rye Welcomes Considerate Bikers” posters to businesses to show their support, and reiterated that the bikers generated income for the town. The proposed PSPO was an overreaction, “a sledgehammer to crack a nut,” he said.
In reply, both Councillor Hoggart and Mayor Andy Stuart pointed out that there were very few police or traffic wardens present in the town to enforce the traffic and parking violations and explained that the request for a PSPO would be reviewed by RDC in June depending on the volume of complaints up to that time.
To clarify the situation with parking, Mayor Andy Stuart told the meeting that the Environment Agency (EA), which owns the land on Strand Quay next to the river where bikers have parked for decades, were considering using it for car parking so preventing motorcyclist access. Rye Town council’s view is that they would prefer the area to be used for pedestrians, but the EA has said that it is making no changes while it reviews its land holdings in the area, and so bikes will continue to be able to park on their land.
Image Credits: Nick Forman .