A police force has cancelled all leave this half term after plans were announced for hundreds of Hell’s Angels bikers to ride through the county.
Surrey Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Nev Kemp said Harley Davidson enthusiasts should be in “no doubt” crime and anti-social behaviour will be dealt with swiftly, after all officers’ holidays were cancelled.
The Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club have branches in various countries including the UK, and are hosting their “Euro Run” tour through Surrey to commemorate 50 years of the HAMC’s London contingent, which was founded in 1969.
ACC Kemp, leading the police response in Surrey and Sussex, said: “We expect the Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club celebrations to have an impact on the local road network in parts of East Surrey and West Sussex as large groups of motorcyclists travel to and from the venue.
“We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time during this period. Residents and visitors should be in no doubt that any anti-social behaviour or criminal activity will not be tolerated and any reports will be dealt with swiftly.”
The main event is taking place at a hotel in East Surrey, while a “ride-out” that could feature up to 700 motorbikes on the road is tabled for Saturday, June 1, on the A23.
ACC Kemp added: “However, on such a busy weekend, I would urge anyone planning to travel along the A23 stretch between Gatwick and Brighton that afternoon to allow extra time and consider alternative routes.
“We are approaching an incredibly busy time with lots going on and thousands of visitors expected across both counties.
“The ‘ride out’ planned for the June 1 will see several hundred motorcyclists riding in a large convoy which will cause some traffic disruption on the route down to Brighton and back.
“In the interests of public safety, police outriders will accompany the convoy and temporarily hold traffic at key points to keep them together and try to minimise the overall impact on other road users.
“Officers from both Surrey Police and Sussex Police have had leave and rest days cancelled and, as well as local teams, we will have additional support from other forces so you can expect to see high numbers of police out on patrol responding quickly to any incidents.
“Public safety remains our first priority and we have been working closely with our partner agencies to prepare and put plans in place which ensure we can meet all the different policing requirements of these events whilst continuing to deliver day-to-day service.”