Injury news

Police could reduce motorcycle accident compensation claims

Motorcycle accident compensation claims could be reduced in the future as biker cops in Leeds tackle the problem of anti-social riders.

The new Off Road Police Motorcycle Unit went into operation for the first time yesterday at Woodhall Quarry and targeted trespassers who were causing a nuisance on their noisy bikes.

Police in Leeds hope the new unit will cut down the number of bikers who are involved in motorbike accidents and suffer from serious personal injuries.

Officers working for the new police unit will have the advantage of a bird's eye view, which will be linked by radio to police helicopters searching the Leeds area for potential offenders.

Pudsey and Weetwood Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector, Steve Thomas, said, "This is an extremely dangerous place to enter, let alone ride a motorbike.

"Off road bikes and quads have been causing huge problems for our neighbourhoods and now thanks to the support of the community we have the tools to tackle the issue."

Inspector Granville Ward agreed and said, "Local people reported their concerns about the anti-social use of off-road motorbikes.

"They have helped us gather enough information to know when those involved are most likely to be there, they have also been able to gather descriptions of the riders."

Officers hope the new campaign will reduce the number of fatal accidents in Leeds as well as reduce the number of people making motorcycle accident compensation claims for personal injuries.