New legislation being put forward by a local MP to introduce tougher rules relating to the sale of off-road bikes will be a step in the right direction in the fight against this anti-social menace.

For too long, the district’s roads – and even its footpaths and pavements – have been blighted by the menace of young – and sometimes not so young – irresponsible idiots with no thought for any other road user.

The police in Bradford have acted, seizing 111 motorbikes deemed to be a nuisance, and crushing many of them, but the issue continues to make life hell on the roads in some areas.

The Off-Road Vehicles (Registration) Bill was presented before Parliament by Bradford East MP David Ward yesterday, and he believes if passed, the legislation would help tackle the problem.

It would mean that dirt bikes and quad bikes would all have to be compulsory registered when they are sold, allowing the police the ability to access records to identify riders who commit crimes and anti-social behaviour on these vehicles.

Persistent offenders will still find a way around the system, no doubt, but anything that helps combat this menace, which apparently accounts for 15% of all anti-social behaviour calls made to West Yorkshire Police, must be warmly welcomed.

Combined with stronger police action and, hopefully, tougher sentencing by the courts, the new legislation, if it is passed, will add to the counter-measures available to deal with these yobs.

Because it seems they are too irresponsible and selfish to see for themselves the dangers they are causing not only to themselves and their pals, but far more importantly, to other people who are nothing more than innocent bystanders.