MOTORBIKE riders who stopped the traffic and blocked roundabout exits while passing through Basingstoke did not have a permit to do so, the Gazette can reveal.

As previously reported, the large group was seen passing through the town on Saturday, August 12 at around 3.30pm, when they stopped traffic on several roundabouts including Hackwood Road Roundabout and the Black Dam Roundabout.

READ MORE: Dozens of motorbikes stop traffic and block roundabout exits in Basingstoke 

Hampshire County Council has since confirmed that the group did not submit an application to stop the traffic during the ride.

Obstructing a public right of way without necessary closure in place is an offence under the Highways Act 1980.

The county council allows people to apply for a temporary closure order to facilitate the holding of a special event, such as a sporting or social event.

However, no such application was made for the event on August 12. 

Hampshire Constabulary has also confirmed that it was not made aware of the event beforehand.

SEE ALSO: Timeline of what happened to missing Basingstoke man Charlie Knight after body found 

The Gazette was informed that the group was part of a charity motorbike ride held that day.

One of the organisers of the Wessex Poker Run, Steven Clark, responded to say the group rode 60 miles passing through Berkshire, Surrey and north Hampshire, ending up at the Wessex Hells Angels Clubhouse for a barbecue.

He said the charity event, organised by the Wessex Hells Angels motorcycle club, supported by clubs and riders from the Thames Valley coalition, was in its 11th year and raised money for three charities.

“This year it started from Reading Harley Davidson, where we presented cheques to three charities: Ollie Young Foundation, Sands Foundation and BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse),” he said.

More than 100 bikers supported the event raising £1,500 for the three charities.

Mr Clark said it is 'safer' to stop traffic during a ride.

He added: "The traffic is stopped, to minimise the risk for all road users, not just the bikes.

"It reduces the noise pollution as well. It is only stopped for literally a few seconds.

"The route is pre-planned to avoid interference with traffic as much as possible.

"I have no idea how you would logistically apply to numerous councils when you are riding over 60 miles through three different counties.

"All I would would say is we raised over £1,500 for three different children’s charities with over 100 bikers participating and had absolutely no traffic incidents."