A Worthing councillor has called for stronger action to tackle persistent anti-social motorbike activity after residents complained about speeding and excessive noise along the seafront.

Worthing West councillor Martin McCabe said he has received fresh complaints from people living along West Parade, who reported motorcyclists regularly speeding along the seafront late at night and in the early hours of the morning while revving their engines.

He said the problem has become particularly noticeable during the recent warm weather, with many residents keeping their windows open overnight and experiencing increased disturbance.

Following the latest complaints, councillor McCabe wrote to Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, urging Sussex Police to increase overnight patrols and consider targeted enforcement on West Parade.

Worthing West councillor Martin McCabe said he has received fresh complaints from people living along West Parade, who reported motorcyclists regularly speeding along the seafront late at night and in the early hours of the morning while revving their engines.

placeholder image — Worthing West councillor Martin McCabe said he has received fresh complaints from people living along West Parade, who reported motorcyclists regularly speeding along the seafront late at night and in the early hours of the morning while revving their engines.

Mr McCabe said: "Residents deserve to be able to enjoy a peaceful night's sleep without being repeatedly disturbed by people treating our seafront like a racetrack.

"This isn't simply a noise nuisance. Excessive speeding puts pedestrians, cyclists and other road users at risk, particularly along one of Worthing's busiest stretches of seafront.

"This is by no means the first complaint I've received about nuisance motorbikes, and it's clear that many local people feel more needs to be done.

"I've asked the Police and Crime Commissioner to look at whether more targeted overnight patrols can be introduced and what further action Sussex Police are taking to tackle anti-social driving across Worthing."

Following the latest complaints, councillor McCabe wrote to Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne. Photo: Jon Rigby

In his letter, the councillor asked whether West Parade has been identified as a hotspot for anti-social driving, whether additional enforcement can be carried out during late evening and overnight periods, and what wider action is being taken to address nuisance motorcycles across the town.

Mrs Bourne, in response, pointed towards existing enforcement activity.

She said: "Councillor McCabe has already received a detailed explanation from Sussex Police about enforcement activity being conducted through Operation Spotlight, which targets anti-social and dangerous driving and is intensified during the summer months when warmer evenings often see an uptick in persistent nuisance riding and noise.

"In addition, Sussex Police are also running Operation Magnus, which is focused on tackling motorcycle theft, recognising the link between stolen motorcycles and wider anti-social behaviour.

"The local Neighbourhood Policing Team is also aware of concerns in areas such as West Parade and residents are encouraged to continue reporting incidents, providing descriptions, CCTV footage and any other information where safe to do so that may assist officers in building the intelligence needed to identify offenders and take robust enforcement action."

Sussex Police, meanwhile, said officers are ‘working to tackle anti-social driving and riding’.

"We understand the impact this has on our communities,” a spokesperson added.

"Officers are currently working on Operation Spotlight, a campaign aimed at addressing the five key behaviours that contribute to fatal and serious road traffic collisions.

“As part of this activity, our Roads Policing Unit has been carrying out enforcement and engagement activity across Worthing, including targeting speeding motorists.

“Officers are also working on Operation Magnus to tackle motorcycle theft, recognising that theft and unlawful use of motorcycles are often linked to anti-social behaviour.”

Anyone with concerns about vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour is encouraged to report it to the police online, or by calling 101.