SOUTHINGTON — Police Chief John Daly said due to “ongoing and escalating” concerns with juvenile operators of electric bicycles, dirt bikes, mopeds and ATVs in town, the Southington Police Department is now instituting a “zero tolerance” enforcement policy.
The Southington Police Department said the new zero tolerance enforcement policy for the illegal and reckless operation of E-bikes, dirt bikes, mopeds and ATVs would be effective immediately. Police issued a public safety advisory to parents and guardians regarding the change.
Violations will result in enforcement action, which may include: Motor vehicle citations and infractions; Seizure of vehicles; Arrests, where applicable; Juvenile summonses and court referrals; and Juvenile Review board referrals.
Daly said, in recent years, the department has seen a “steady increase in complaints involving juveniles operating these vehicles in a reckless and dangerous manner on public roadways, sidewalks, parks and recreational areas.”
“These behaviors have included ignoring traffic laws, operating in prohibited areas, fleeing from police and engaging in conduct that places both the public and responding officers at significant risk,” he said. “These incidents have placed a consistent and growing demand on police resources, requiring repeated responses, investigations and enforcement actions throughout the year.”
Daly said the Southington Police Department has taken a “balanced approach” to addressing this issue, “combining education with enforcement.”
“Officers have made numerous motor vehicle and criminal arrests, conducted community outreach and received ongoing training on applicable laws and enforcement strategies,” he said. “The department has also expanded its capabilities by certifying additional motorcycle officers and increasing patrol resources.”
However, Daly said despite these sustained efforts, the “reckless and unlawful operation of these vehicles has continued and, in many cases, escalated.”
“This issue has resulted in serious consequences, including injuries, property damage and loss of life,” he said. “Within the past year, a juvenile operating a moped illegally on a public roadway was involved in a fatal crash. Most recently, on March 30, a Southington police officer was injured while attempting to render aid to a juvenile who had fallen from an E-bike during an incident involving a large group operating recklessly near Recreation Park.”
Daly said these were not isolated incidents.
“Officers have been struck and injured by these vehicles, suspects have fled from police on numerous occasions and police vehicles have sustained damage as a result of these encounters,” Daly said. “The risks associated with this behavior are substantial and continuing to escalate.”
Daly said parents and guardians are “strongly urged to take an active role in ensuring their children understand where these vehicles can and cannot be operated, as well as the legal and safety responsibilities associated with their use.”
“Many of these vehicles are not designed or permitted for use on public roadways and their misuse creates serious hazards,” he said. “This is a community safety issue. The Southington Police Department remains committed to protecting the public and this enforcement initiative is intended to prevent serious injury or further loss of life. We ask for the cooperation of parents and the community in addressing this issue before additional harm occurs.”
