Over the last two months, the build-up of motorbikes in Soho, particularly around Frith Street, on Friday and Saturday evenings, has become a menace to both those living here and visitors to Soho.
We spoke with Elizabeth Amos, Leader of the Conservative Action Team, and local West End Councillors Tim Barnes and Paul Fisher.
The revving-up noise, both while parked and while moving, has also become more threatening, as riders increasingly wear face coverings to protect their identities. Many of the bikes have flip-up number plates to avoid detection by the police or further action by the council. This anti-social activity is also combined with potential criminality.
We know that many living in Soho are suffering.In recent weeks, we have met with neighbours in Soho to discuss the misery and fear they are enduring.
We have already raised the issue with Andrew Boff AM, Deputy Chair of the London Assembly, who visited Frith Street with Cllr Barnes earlier this month.
Back in September, Cllr Barnes and Cllr Paul Fisher worked to identify funding to cover police overtime, which would enable a police presence on the streets, specifically to deter bikers.
Along with a Section 35 dispersal order that was implemented in September, this measure did bring about a decrease for one or two weekends, but it has proven to be only a short-term solution, and now the problem is worsening every week. Some are talking of leaving Soho.
The Council and Mayor are failing to deal with the issue.
We have seen videos of police talking to bikers who then shout at them until the police appear to have been intimidated into leaving. It’s only a matter of time until there is a violent episode. The police need to be equipped with the necessary resources to handle this situation effectively. Cllr Barnes has already made reports to the police that have led to some action, but we need much more.
We are compiling a catalogue of videos, photographs, and accounts detailing the problems and issues these bikes are causing.
Can you help? We need any photographs or videos you may have. If this is affecting your sleep or ability to live in Soho, providing details about that would also be helpful. You can email your views, photos and videos to us.
We will also be holding a public meeting for residents, businesses, the police and local community groups, on Friday 7 November, 5.15 to 6.15 pm in Soho.
If you would like to attend, please let us know so we can estimate numbers by registering here. We will confirm the location to everyone who registers to attend.
