Agenda item

Tackling Anti-Social Scrambler

and E-Scooter Use in Belfast

            In accordance with notice on the agenda, it was

Moved by Alderman McCullough,

Seconded by Councillor R. Brooks,

“Belfast City Council expresses serious concern at the growing impact of antisocial scrambler and e-scooter use across the city, which has caused significant distress to residents, poses a clear risk to public safety and, in some cases, has resulted in serious injury and loss of life.

The Council recognises that, when used responsibly and in appropriate settings, such vehicles can have legitimate recreational value; however, their misuse in residential areas, parks and public spaces is causing serious and growing concern across Belfast.

The Council notes ongoing enforcement challenges and the need for stronger, more effective interventions to tackle dangerous use and repeat offending.

Accordingly, the Council agrees to:

·       write to the Minister of Justice calling for strengthened powers for the PSNI to seize and, where appropriate, retain or dispose of vehicles being used in a dangerous or antisocial manner;

·       call for the introduction of mandatory registration of scramblers and e-scooters at the point of sale;

·       support the provision of additional enforcement tools, including the use of drone technology and dedicated resources to assist in identifying and tackling offenders; and

·       request a detailed briefing from the PSNI — open to all Members — on enforcement activity, hotspot areas, and barriers to effective action within Belfast.”

Amendment

Moved by the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Doherty),

Seconded by Councillor McCusker,

“After the final bullet point, insert:

·       support the development of community-led intervention schemes, aligned with the justice system and delivered in partnership with local schools, youth centres, community organisations and statutory agencies, alongside the exploration of dedicated, safe and properly managed sites for scrambler use, recognising that similar targeted programmes have shown significant reductions of dangerous and antisocial use by engaging young people directly and providing safer, structured alternatives.”

The motion, as amended, therefore read:

“Belfast City Council expresses serious concern at the growing impact of antisocial scrambler and e-scooter use across the city, which has caused significant distress to residents, poses a clear risk to public safety and, in some cases, has resulted in serious injury and loss of life.

The Council recognises that, when used responsibly and in appropriate settings, such vehicles can have legitimate recreational value; however, their misuse in residential areas, parks and public spaces is causing serious and growing concern across Belfast.

The Council notes ongoing enforcement challenges and the need for stronger, more effective interventions to tackle dangerous use and repeat offending.

Accordingly, the Council agrees to:

·       write to the Minister of Justice calling for strengthened powers for the PSNI to seize and, where appropriate, retain or dispose of vehicles being used in a dangerous or antisocial manner;

·       call for the introduction of mandatory registration of scramblers and e-scooters at the point of sale;

·       support the provision of additional enforcement tools, including the use of drone technology and dedicated resources to assist in identifying and tackling offenders;

·       request a detailed briefing from the PSNI — open to all Members — on enforcement activity, hotspot areas, and barriers to effective action within Belfast; and

·       support the development of community-led intervention schemes, aligned with the justice system and delivered in partnership with local schools, youth centres, community organisations and statutory agencies, alongside the exploration of dedicated, safe and properly managed sites for scrambler use, recognising that similar targeted programmes have shown significant reductions of dangerous and antisocial use by engaging young people directly and providing safer, structured alternatives.”

The motion as amended was put to the Council and passed.