SUSSEX Police are cracking down on motorcycle riders delivering misery to residents by flouting road rules in a city centre street.

Earlier this week, The Argus reported that people living in Hampton Place, Brighton, were “at their wits' end” with Uber Eats and Deliveroo riders using an illegal shortcut while delivering food.

Officers from Sussex Police waited in nearby Hampton Street Wednesday night – catching and fining two rule-breakers.

A spokesman for the force said: “Responding to residents' concerns in Brighton last night of motorcycle delivery riders habitually contravening a no entry sign to take a short cut.

“Two tickets issued to errant riders.”

Police lay in wait for potential rulebreakers

Police lay in wait for potential rulebreakers

Hampton Place, in the city centre, is split in two and only cyclists are allowed to use the route between the streets.

Despite this, video captured this month appeared to show many riders flouting the rule.

Residents say the footage showed “just a few of the hundreds of delivery drivers” who ignore the bright red no entry sign each week.

Uber Eats reportedly sent a message to all Brighton and Hove delivery drivers warning them not to break road rules over the video.

Ward councillor Tom Druitt previously told The Argus that some people were moving out of the area due to the issue.

After hearing about the fines, he said: “ It's great to see Sussex Police respond to residents' concerns and follow them up with enforcement action, and I hope that as the word gets out residents will benefit from improved safety and less noise pollution.

“I am however acutely aware that workers in the gig economy are paid according to output and that wages are generally low, so there is huge pressure on delivery riders to use short cuts.

“A business model that incentivises staff to put public safety at risk is a flawed business model and I am calling on the delivery apps to review their frameworks to ensure that riders can earn the living wage whilst sticking to authorised routes and riding in a responsible manner.”

Uber Eats previously responded that they offer “a flexible way for couriers to make money by simply logging in and out” of their app and drivers often chose to use multiple delivery companies at the same time.

Cllr Druitt added: “Furthermore, as we work to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution in the city, it would be good to see these companies invest in electric bikes for their staff, to improve the health and wellbeing of residents and help the city become carbon-neutral by 2030.

“Not only would this reduce costs for riders, it would also ultimately reduce costs for the apps themselves. Win win win.”