Motorcycle noise levels may soon be monitored following petition

The online petition was discussed by the Ludlow City Council Representation Committee after collecting 40 signatures.

Tara Zuk, who started the petition, said the city was affected by excessive noise caused by groups of bikers repeatedly circulating around the one-way loop. Health and safety concerns were also raised about emissions and speed claims.

Advisers were divided on whether regular biker tours were welcome or not, but said they had no power to stop them from happening one way or the other.

Councilor Robin Pote said: “This has been going on for a very long time and I have to say that in my opinion its nuisance value is greatly exaggerated.

“There is little or no evidence that motorcycles run at full speed in the city. I accept that they come to be seen because they are very proud of their motorcycles.

“It’s a public road and as far as I know we have no authority to control whether these bikes enter or not.

“I just have the feeling that it is a small number of people who, unfortunately, from their place of residence, may think that it is an affront to their private space.

“But I just feel like as long as there isn’t really a violation of the law – and it hasn’t been proven yet – there’s nothing we can do about it.

Councilor Rod Naysmith supported Councilor Pote’s point of view, saying, “Personally, I like to watch the motorcycles when they are all parked.”

Councilor Naysmith said if there was a breach of the law the police should be called in to deal with it at that time.

Councilor Viv Parry said some bicycles made “enormous amounts of noise” but added that barring bikers from the city would cause traders to lose potential income.

She said, “If we tell people they can’t come, I think we’re a little petty, but maybe the noise could be reduced a bit.”

Councilor Philip Adams said the council should issue a statement asking bikers not to ride too much in the city center.

Town clerk Gina Wilding said city council may ask Shropshire council to conduct noise monitoring, to help establish the extent of the problem.

Councilor Parry said the city was also having problems with the “racing boys” and that the monitoring would also measure the noise levels of these vehicles. Councilor Colin Sheward, who chairs the committee, proposed to go this route, which was unanimously accepted.