Scramblers and uninsured vehicles seized in targeted Derry road safety operation

Two scramblers were seized in relation to the offence of causing alarm, distress or annoyance

Officers from Ballyarnett Neighbourhood Policing Team in Derry have seized vehicles and scrambler bikes in the city, including in the Strand Road, Glenabbey and Whitehouse areas.

The seizures, made during a road safety operation on Tuesday, March 31, were in relation to offences including no insurance.

Two scramblers were seized in relation to the offence of causing alarm, distress or annoyance.

Reports will now be submitted to the Public Prosecution Service regarding all of these matters for traffic-related matters.

Ballyarnett NPT Sergeant McCollum said: "We know there are concerns in the community in relation to anti-social driving, especially in relation to scramblers, but please be assured, officers are working to tackle these issues.

"E-scooters, scramblers, go-peds, buzz boards, quads and mini-motos do not generally comply with construction and use legislation and vehicle standards so are therefore, restricted to off- road use only. If used on the road the rider would require the following, among the requirements is having a driving licence from age 16 (minimum Category AM). Reports we have received recently is that young children are riding these e-scooters.

“They are not toys and, when driven recklessly, their use in public spaces poses a risk to the safety of both riders and the public, and someone could be seriously hurt as a result of their inappropriate use.

"We are working to address concerns around their use and would appeal to those who own one, to put safety first. Our appeal is about keeping people safe and keeping communities safe spaces for all by thinking carefully about where you use your e-scooter, and the potential safety issues you could be causing within your own community.

“As we continue to do all we can to detect offenders, we’d also ask that the community continues to report the illegal and dangerous driving of e-scooters so we can help to make our roads safer for everyone. Call us on 101 or report online at www.psni.police.uk/report ”

You can also contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers–uk.org.

Information on the law around e-scooters can be found HERE.