A councillor has warned that it's "only a matter of time until someone is killed" at a Darlington junction where he says balaclava-clad bikers cause chaos.
Councillor Ian Haszeldine, who covers the Stephenson ward, says he has seen people "taking their lives in their own hands" for 30 years at the junction connecting Yarm Road and Hundens Lane.
Despite issues with drivers travelling unsafely, pulling wheelies and running red lights, Cllr Haszeldine believes that the vehicles that people are choosing to travel on are "far more dangerous than ever before".
Councillor Ian Haszeldine
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT/NORTHERN ECHO)
"The off-road bikers don't stop, they just carry on when they see red lights," added the councillor.
"I've known them pulling wheelies in front of your car, intimidating people with their balaclavas on, and it's only a matter of time until someone is seriously injured or killed.
"It's not an issue that's remotely new, but the off-road and powerful bikes they're using are new and more dangerous than before.
Hundens Lane, Darlington
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT/NORTHERN ECHO)
"They have no regard for innocent people - pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers could be their victims.
To tackle the issue, the councillor, 72, has called on members of the public to report evidence and information to police.
He said he is aware of several serious incidents that have taken place in Darlington involving off-road bikes but says the situation could "escalate significantly" if the problems aren't tackled.
Councillor Ian Haszeldine on Hundens Lane, Darlington
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT/NORTHERN ECHO)
"Unless police have this information about what bikes are involved, what the people are wearing, how many people are involved, they can't tackle the issue head-on," he added.
"Police can only do so much with the resources they have. Maybe people think they can chase every single off-road bike, but some issues come with that too.
"These people think they're invincible, but they could kill pedestrians, cyclists and other road users because they're going through red lights.
"Unfortunately, Hundends Lane is a shortcut through the town."
The junction connecting Hundens Lane and Yarm Road
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT/NORTHERN ECHO)
Durham Police says it is committed to tackling off-road bikers, with Neighbourhood Inspector David Littlefair saying: “Our officers will continue to proactively patrol hotspot areas, stop riders and seize vehicles when necessary."
He added: “Those who choose to ride e-scooters or e-bikes anti-socially have little regard for the safety of others. This behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“Our message is simple: if you choose to ride illegally or recklessly in Darlington, expect police action.
Councillor Ian Haszeldine, who covers the Stephenson ward at Darlington Borough Council
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT/NORTHERN ECHO)
“We also encourage residents to attend local PACT meetings and to report antisocial behaviour to us directly, rather than assume someone else has already done so. Make the call and help us tackle the issues where you live.”
Earlier this year, a new strategy to tackle anti-social behaviour, off-road bikes and violent crime was launched in Darlington after residents said they felt less safe in their communities.
Yarm Road, Darlington
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT/NORTHERN ECHO)
Darlington Borough Council rolled out a three-year Community Safety Partnership (CSP) Plan, setting out how the council, police, health services and other organisations will work together to reduce crime and improve public safety until 2029.
A Darlington Borough Council spokesperson said: "The safety of residents and road users is a priority, and we share concerns about reports of dangerous riding by off-road bikes on public roads.
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"This type of behaviour puts the rider and others at risk and can have serious consequences.
“We would encourage anyone who witnesses illegal or dangerous use of off-road bikes to report it to Durham Constabulary, providing as much information as possible, including descriptions, locations, times and, where safe to do so, any images or footage.
"This information can help the police build intelligence and take appropriate action."