Four arrested and motorbikes seized after anti-social riding around the A22

Police said a large group of motorcyclists had been seen riding in an anti-social manner around the A22 corridor in East Sussex.

Officers are calling for anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage to get in touch.

A spokesman said on Twitter: “Four riders were arrested & a number of bikes seized- if you have any dashcam or CCTV footage, please let us know, ref 576 28/03/21.”

It comes as Sussex Police urged bikers to stay safe – and warned it would deal robustly with anyone who compromises road safety.

The warmer weather and the easing of lockdown restrictions is likely to lead to more traffic on the roads, police said.

Chief Inspector Michael Hodder, of the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “It would appear a number of riders have no regard not only for their own safety, but for those they endanger too.

“They also seem to have left their common sense at home whilst forgetting how their loved ones would feel if they hurt themselves or someone else by the stupidity of their selfish riding.”

Motorcyclists represent almost a quarter of all fatal and serious injury collisions – despite making up only five per cent of vehicles on the roads.

Police said concerns had been raised by communities across Surrey and Sussex of speeding, excess noise, and antisocial riding and driving, with some residents so fed up they are considering selling their homes.

Officers are continuing to address these issues by working with communities, and partners including local authorities, charities and the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, police said.

One experienced rider from Sussex, who did not wish to be identified, has pleaded with his fellow riders to work with the police; not against them.

“If you continue to do what you’re doing, speeding through towns and villages and taking unnecessary risks, it will result in more and more police intervention,” he said.

“You could also kill yourself or someone else. It only takes a minor lapse in concentration or something unavoidable, like a cat running out in the road, for a serious incident to happen.

“Speed kills, and while we don’t want to tar all riders with the same brush, it is important for everyone to understand the risks.

“We are far more vulnerable than most road users, and the stats prove that.

“It’s also important for communities to recognise that not all bikers ride dangerously or antisocially.

“Ultimately, we all need to work together.

“Stick to the speed limits, and drive or ride safely and responsibly.

“Don’t give your loved ones a reason to attend another funeral.”

Police will also be supporting the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s annual two-wheeled campaign, which aims to reduce the number of collisions involving motorcyclists through education and enforcement – from Tuesday 6 April to Sunday 18 April.

For advice on riding safely, visit the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership website.

To report an incident of dangerous or antisocial driving or riding, visit the Operation Crackdown website.