Motherwell and Wishaw MSP pushing for tougher actions on misuse off-road vehicles
Residents across Motherwell and Wishaw are becoming increasingly concerned with the growing misuse of off-road vehicles.
Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson is pushing for tougher actions on the misuse off-road vehicles, following ongoing reports of antisocial behaviour.
Residents across Motherwell and Wishaw are becoming increasingly concerned with the growing misuse of off-road vehicles.
Ms Adamson has met with local police regarding reckless use of quad bikes, mini bikes, and dirt bikes creating serious safety hazards, damaging public infrastructure, and causing problems on public roads, footpaths, and green spaces.
The SNP MSP raised these issues in the Scottish Parliament earlier this week.
She said: 'People in my constituency have had enough of the misuse of off road vehicles. Reckless behaviour is causing needless safety risks to both the public and to the people misusing the bikes.
'Local police have made it clear that existing regulations are not acting as an effective deterrent.
'This should not be about demonising any one group. But it's clear we need stronger regulations and meaningful consequences to prevent this problematic behaviour.
'People deserve to feel safe in their own community.
'Raising the storage levy on seized off-road vehicles is one option. It would make it harder for people to easily reclaim confiscated bikes.
'We also have to consider stronger action in cases of repeat offences. This could include the power to seize and destroy vehicles.
'This has to be balanced with effective community engagement with the people misusing these bikes. There are often individual contexts for why people act out in this way.
'But without an effective deterrent, reckless misuse will continue to cause problems for people in Motherwell and Wishaw.
'That is why I am pushing for action on this issue; we need to consider stronger enforcement powers to safeguard both members of the public and the people acting irresponsibly.'
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