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Council adopts resolution to strengthen enforcement against motorbike street takeovers
Summary
After public complaints about motorbike "takeovers," the New Britain Common Council adopted a resolution authorizing tools allowed under state law — including vehicle seizure and higher fines — to help police address organized illegal gatherings on city streets.
Public comment at the Sept. 10 meeting included firsthand testimony about disruptive and dangerous late-night motorbike gatherings. Tina Santana, who said she has four medically complex children, told the council the activity often blocks streets and wakes residents: "Please, for the sake of my kids, that I need to have a good rest," she said, asking the council to allow police to intervene.
Council members described the resolution as an enforcement tool created under state law that municipalities may use to address organized illegal vehicle gatherings. The sponsor said the measure gives police "additional enforcement tools," including stronger fines and the ability to confiscate and, ultimately, destroy vehicles used in organized illegal takeovers, and to penalize people who organize or cheer on the events.
Alderwoman Scott and others spoke in support, citing safety and noise concerns. Alderman Santiago described his experience as a legal rider and said the behavior he has witnessed — burnouts and wheelies in groups — creates risk for both riders and other road users.
The council voted to adopt the resolution. Council members framed the action as a response to constituent complaints and part of a broader public-safety strategy rather than a criminal code change at the state level. No ordinance language or enforcement protocols were passed at the meeting beyond adoption of the council resolution; the council identified the action as using authority granted by recent state legislation.
What’s next: Implementation details (how seizures and forfeiture would be carried out, charging and appeals processes, and operational protocols for police) were not detailed at the meeting; council members and staff indicated those processes will follow the state-authorized procedures and department implementation steps.
