POLICE in Inverclyde and neighbouring Renfrewshire have launched an operation to tackle the illegal use of off-road bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters.
Project Trail will run until Monday 17 August and will see officers out on patrol in the area and engaging with members of the public about the use of the vehicles.
Officers have the power to seize these vehicles if they are being used illegally, and charges can be libelled against the rider. In some instances parents can also be held responsible leading to charges against them.
Inspector Ross Wilson, of the Renfrewshire Community Policing Team, said: “Officers have been engaging with schools, community councils, and young people to highlight the message that the use of these vehicles in public is illegal.
“The legislation around their use exists to protect the public, and should they be used illegally then policing powers will be used. I appreciate that these vehicles have been purchased legally but I encourage both the riders and parents to be aware of the legislation and the risk associated with utilising them in public, not just to the rider but the wider public.
“I am also aware that a number of those riding these off-road bikes are doing so in an anti-social and dangerous manner with no consideration for other road users. These riders are often wearing masks hiding their identity, with no protective clothing. I am encouraging members of the community who have any information to assist in identifying these individuals including CCTV, ring doorbell or dash-cam footage to contact police via 101 or by emailing the community policing teams direct at RenfrewshireInverclydeLPSTGreenock@scotland.police.uk or RenfrewshireInverclydeLPSTRenfrewshire@scotland.police.uk or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
