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Fine for biker caught on noise-activated camera

Andrew Turner
BBC News, Norfolk
Reporting fromGreat Yarmouth
Andrew Turner/BBC A sound camera with microphones and cameras, and aerials is mounted on a standard, next to which is a decorative street lamp. In the lower part of the image are trees and buildings on Great Yarmouth Sea Front. The sky is blue with several white clouds.Andrew Turner/BBC
The Noise Abatement Society has praised the council for installing the seafront camera

A biker caught on a noise-activated camera pulling wheelies and repeatedly revving his machine has been ordered to pay more than £1,500.

Magistrates in Great Yarmouth were shown a video of Jack Baker, 27, of Brasenose Avenue, Gorleston, performing stunts and causing a noise nuisance after 22:00 BST on 19 July 2024.

Police sent a fixed penalty notice, but Baker claimed he did not receive it because he was not at the address.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council took the case to court, where Baker admitted the offences, although he said it was "not a proper wheelie" and it was not intentional.

GYBC Black and white noise detection camera footage of Great Yarmouth seafront. red circle highlights a motorbike with its lights on pulling a wheelie while travelling along the road GYBC
In the footage, Baker can be seen pulling a wheelie

Baker admitted three offences under the council's vehicle-related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) - legislation designed to reduce anti-social behaviour.

The charges were that he rapidly accelerated, performed a wheelie and revved the bike.

Magistrates fined Baker £100 for the three offences and imposed a £40 victim surcharge. He was also ordered to pay £135 investigation costs and £1,305 legal costs.

Andrew Turner/BBC Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court House, a yellow brick building with brown framed windows. The building has a slate roof and colonnaded facade. There are lawns and trees, as well as pathways and steps on the approach to the entrance. Andrew Turner/BBC
Magistrates at the court in Great Yarmouth were shown a video of Baker on his motorbike

A council spokesperson said: ''There is small minority of people who continue to cause a nuisance on the seafront and disturb residents with their anti-social behaviour.

''The recently installed noise-activated camera is an excellent addition as the council and the police continue to work hard to improve the quality of life for people affected by anti-social behaviour.

''Where appropriate we will always seek to prosecute those who cause such a nuisance for the community.''

The £149,000 noise-activated camera was installed in 2024 following a public consultation. It led to 26 road users being sent warning letters about their behaviour within the first three months of operation.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council was highly commended at the annual Noise Abatement Society awards in 2024 for the installing the camera.

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