Police Scotland to extend North Lanarkshire quad bike initiative
Police Scotland and North Lanarkshire Council have once again joined forces to reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB) by prolonging the campaign Operation MotoX.
The scheme aims to tackle issues involving illegal use of off-road vehicles such as quads and dirt bikes.
Officers will use the new quad bikes, of their own, to increase patrols across the area, engage with other riders, and provide public reassurance on safety and proper use.
The initiative, launched in 2021, has slashed the amount of ASB cases by over 50%, according to the local authority.
Leader of the council, Jim Logue, said: “Our communities are telling us that the rise in use of off-road vehicles in local parks, open spaces and even on footpaths is causing real safety concerns and a public nuisance.
“These new quad bikes will help tackle these concerns, educate riders and parents thinking of buying similar machines for their children and explain the legal position surrounding their use.”
The campaign has been funded through North Lanarkshire Council’s Local Development Programme and supported by all nine community boards.
Police hope the scheme can continue to prevent disorder in the community.
Chief Superintendent, Stevie Dolan, Lanarkshire local policing commander added: “We are committed to tackling antisocial behaviour throughout North Lanarkshire and are delighted to be working in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council and Community Boards to address the issue.
“Following the launch of Operation MotoX in July 2021, we measured an overall reduction in ASB incidents involving off road motorcycles and quads by around 51% based on the first six months of the operation compared to the year before.
“This showed us that we were working in the right areas, utilising appropriate resources at the right times and made the best use of our partnership motorcycles to affect the problem in hand.
However, not all residents are happy with the scheme, believing that the funds could be better spent elsewhere as local authorities face increasing budget cuts.
North Lanarkshire resident Irene Burns (52) is one of the locals who disagrees with the continuation of the scheme.
She said: “I would be interested to know how they measured this 50% reduction.
“I have yet to see more police on our streets, they are no longer visible and when they are they only want to engage when there is an issue or a problem.
“Services are being cut or reduced, putting people at risk.”
