Illegal off-road riding causing ‘profound damage’ to tip stability
Antisocial behaviour has been going on for years; it would appear this ongoing crime is something residents in the South Wales Valleys will have to put up with. 2008 They are back! And still thriving in 2025 nothing has been done.
Off-road motorbikes and scramblers are subject to several legal restrictions in the UK:
- It is illegal to ride off-road motorbikes on public land without permission, including council-owned areas such as parks, beaches, promenades, and car parks.
- Riding on private land is only legal with the landowner’s explicit permission.
- To be used on public roads, off-road motorbikes must comply with road vehicle regulations, including:
- DVLA registration
- Road tax
- Valid MOT
- Fitted, working lights
- Registration plates
- The rider must be 17 or older (16 for mopeds), have a valid driving license, motor insurance, and wear appropriate safety equipment.
- Riding without meeting these conditions can result in prosecution under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Police Reform Act 2002.
- Using these vehicles in a manner that causes harassment, alarm, or distress is an offense under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002.
- Riding on common land, moorland, or land not forming part of a road, or on footpaths or bridleways without lawful authority is illegal under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Violations can lead to fines, vehicle seizure, prosecution, and potential destruction of the bike
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and South Wales Police are working in partnership to educate people on the dangers of illegal off-roading on coal tips, the damage this causes to tip drainage systems, and the danger this poses to the public. We need your help to report these incidents.
Works to remediate the Tylorstown landslide are nearing completion, and as part of this the new receptor site near Old Smokey and the former landslip area will need time to establish and become secure. It is vital that this site is allowed time to mature and establish vegetation which provides protection against land erosion and blockage to drainage channels which are necessary to maintain the stability of the hillside.
The use of cameras to identify illegal off-roaders, together with clear signage and involvement from local schools to encourage community engagement is hoped to help put an end to illegal off-road vehicles using the tips.
Users of off-road vehicles are urged to behave responsibly and stop riding on the tips due to the dangers that the damage poses to local communities. The public are being asked to report off road vehicles which are seen riding on tips in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
If you see off road vehicles illegally driving on or damaging the tips, you can report it to South Wales Police via:
Or call 101
South Wales Police require as much information as possible to deal with incidents and request that the following information is included if known:
Date, time, and description of the incident
Vehicle details (type, registration, make, model, colour, identifiable features)
User details (if known)
Evidence (video, audio, photos)
Previous incidents (if relevant)
The impact on the individual or community
The information gathered from public reports helps to tackle the illegal off roading by informing the Off-Road Vehicle Operations, run by South Wales Police, who have the resources to tackle Off Road Vehicle nuisance. If individuals are identified, a team within RCT can take action against any perpetrators through the Anti-Social Behaviour enforcement legislation.
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said: “It is vital that the Tylorstown site is given time to establish and allow the drainage infrastructure to become secure. This ensures that water is directed away from the tip. The use of off-road vehicles damages this essential drainage infrastructure and puts the communities below at risk.
“Functioning drainage is key in helping to maintain tip stability. The maintenance of this is both time consuming and expensive. The Tips Team currently identify and prioritise the most at-risk tips and undertake maintenance works accordingly.”
South Wales Police have also issued a strong message addressing the dangers of illegal off-roading, highlighting its impact on public safety, the environment, and local communities.
Inspector Richard Gardiner, South Wales Police Community Safety, said: “Illegal off-road biking causes far-reaching harm beyond immediate nuisance. The reckless use of these vehicles often leads to collisions, endangering pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, and others. Beyond safety concerns, riders frequently trespass onto private and public lands, creating conflict and fear within communities. The destruction of sensitive areas, such as nature reserves, farming fields, tips, and recreational spaces, is not only an environmental tragedy but also a significant loss for community members who use these spaces for leisure and livelihood.
“The environmental damage to the tips is profound—drainage systems are disrupted, watercourses altered, and tips destabilised, increasing the risk of landslides and flooding. Newly planted trees and vegetation are routinely destroyed, undoing years of conservation efforts. Wildlife, including protected species, loses vital habitats due to the aggressive and unregulated nature of these activities.
“We rely on the cooperation of affected communities to address these incidents effectively. By reporting suspicious activities and providing detailed information, you play a critical role in helping us protect lives, preserve the environment, and maintain the peace.”
South Wales Police remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring safer communities and addressing the challenges posed by illegal off-road riding and working closely with partner agencies to tackle this issue by seizing vehicles, prosecuting offenders, and deploying preventative measures to deter illegal riding.
