Illegal drivers 'risking lives' at Lawe Top - near misses reported at South Shields park used as 'rally' ground

One of the entrances to the Lawe Top parkland

In recent weeks there have been reports of ‘near misses’ involving vehicles on the parkland at the Lawe Top, the highest point in North Marine Park.

The area offers stunning views of the coastline, harbour and mouth of the river, and its play area and grassed open spaces make it a popular place for families to visit and children to play.

It is also increasingly a venue for boot camps and outdoor yoga sessions after the easing of lockdown restrictions saw a spike in outdoor fitness classes.

Looking over towards the play area at the Lawe Top

But Beacon and Bents ward councillor Angela Hamilton claims people are being put at risk by a rise in illegal driving on Lawe Top.

“We have seen vans driving on here for boot camps, people driving on here to pick up their children, and motorcyclists using this as some kind of rally park,” she said in a video posted on Facebook.

“This is not acceptable behaviour, there have been children and animals put at risk with near misses reported over the last couple of weeks.

“I’m working with other councillors for the ward and council officers to look at what we can do to stop this from happening.

She added: “What we don’t want to do, is to have to put fences and gates that are closed so that people can only use the parks at certain times, we don’t want to put barriers up that will prevent people who use wheelchairs or have pushchairs from getting into the park, or make it incredibly difficult for them to do so.

“We don’t want to put bollards in place that make it difficult for emergency service vehicles to get onto the site if somebody’s life is at risk.

“What we want is for this to continue to be a beautiful open space that can be used by everybody in a responsible way.

“If you are driving a vehicle onto here, you are not only behaving irresponsibly but you are breaking the law and once we have the evidence, we will take action against those who are behaving in this way.”

As part of the social media appeal, Cllr Hamilton also urged residents to report incidents to the police and if safe to do so, to take a note of the registration number or a photo or video.

She added: “It’s important that we can all use this open space going forward, if we get a second wave of coronavirus this is a space where people can come and relax and enjoy some exercise while obeying social distancing measures but they can’t do that if they don’t feel safe.”

South Tyneside Council is in the process of putting up some new signage at North Marine Park warning about ‘unauthorised access to motor vehicles.’

Cllr Joan Atkinson, lead member for area management and community safety, said: “Our parks and green spaces are for the whole community to enjoy, from parents and carers with babies and children to dog walkers exercising their pets.

“But this sort of behaviour is extremely reckless and dangerous and puts all members of the public at real risk. Someone could end up getting seriously injured or much worse.

“It is also illegal to drive vehicles or motorbikes in the park unless permission is given by the land owner.

“We’re committed to working with our partners to tackle the issue of unauthorised motor vehicles being used on public land and would urge the public to support us by reporting incidents to the police and providing as much information as possible about the individuals responsible and the vehicles involved.

“Public safety is a top priority and we need to make sure our beautiful parks and open areas remain safe places for everybody to visit.”

A Northumbria Police spokesperson added: “We take this type of criminality incredibly seriously and have dedicated operations in place to tackle vehicle-related crime in hotspot areas.

“We would always encourage anyone who sees a crime taking place to contact police and report it.”

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