Alexandra Police have stopped 14 individuals for unlawful off-road motorcycle use in the parks and reserves around the wider Alexandra area over the past eight months, under Operation Dust.
Operation Dust is a joint Police and Central Otago District Council (CODC) effort to tackle the issue of dirt-bike riders travelling through council land, river tracks or private farms without permission.
Police and CODC were alerted to the issue by concerned members of the public.
The riders stopped by Police were riding in forbidden areas without the appropriate license class, risking a $400 infringement or maximum $1000 fine.
Police and the CODC have installed signage in the areas where the unlawful motorcycle use has occurred and there are plans to install more.
We want all holiday makers to have a safe and enjoyable stay in Central Otago over the break, but we ask that you have prior permission before riding on Council land, river tracks or private farms.
Before you head out to ride your dirt-bike we ask you to think about the following:
- Just because the land is vacant, does it mean you can ride here?
- Have you asked or been given prior permission to ride on this land?
- How are you going to transport your dirt-bike to and from the appropriate riding area?
- If you are riding within an area that has public access, have you got the appropriate motorcycle license?
