Essex Police bosses will decide whether to bring back motorbikes on Monday.

Chief Constable Roger Baker is a big fan of motorbike policing and his proposal to reintroduce them to the county's streets will go before the police authority.

He said: "Motorcycles can be used for a whole range of policing services. They are a vital and proven tool in tackling crime and reducing the number of deaths on our roads.

"Essex Police figures for motorcyclists' deaths in 2005 have significantly reduced since last year and we intend to see this trend continue."

The force axed its 30 motorbikes in 1999 as part of a £7.1million package of cuts.

Published Tuesday, November 29, 2005