Residents tell of fears for pedestrians over mopeds in Downham Market

Residents in Downham have raised concerns over the driving behaviour of moped riders, claiming they “treat the town like their own personal playground”.

It comes after one person said they would have been hit by a moped this week if they had not reacted so quickly.

Natalie Wood was left “terrified” after she was almost ran into by a moped on Railway Road.

Natalie said: “He went to overtake a car and went on to the pavement. I had to flatten myself against a wall to avoid him. If I hadn’t reacted quickly I would have been hit.”

She confronted the driver, but received no apology.

“I asked him why he went on to the pavement and he ignored me, he didn’t even apologise,” she added.

“I can’t help but think what if there had been a child or an old person.”

Natalie, who is pregnant, said that this is not the first time she has come across a dangerous vehicle of this type driving in the area.

“I see them all the time, there is a group of young lads that circulate the town on L-plated mopeds, acting stupidly and driving around the town square,” Natalie added.

“There is a large elderly population here, and a lot of mums with prams.”

Natalie is not the only Downham resident who has this concern regarding mopeds in the town.

Another resident of Railway Road said: “They just don’t have a care in the world, I’ve seen them disregarding the one-way system, driving on pavements and treating the town like their own personal playground.”

Although Natalie was not injured in the incident, she has expressed a desire for more community involvement to try and tackle the issue.

“Something should be done – whether it’s educational or law enforcement,” she said.

“Luckily I reacted on time, but maybe next time someone won’t be so lucky.”

A police spokesperson said they were not aware of the incident involving Natalie this week.

They also said the force had “no knowledge” of any issues with mopeds in the Downham area.