Campaign Launched To Stop Illegal Use Of Off-Road Vehicles

A new campaign has been launched in a bid to stop the illegal use of off-road vehicles in public spaces.

It is a joint campaign by Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), Crimestoppers and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Signage is being installed at locations throughout Belfast, as well as taxi branding, billboards and advertisements at bus shelters, to encourage people to anonymously report incidents of those using off-road vehicles.

Susan Russam, Vice Chair of the Belfast PCSP, said: "The Belfast PCSP is aware of concerns in the local community about people riding scramblers and quads illegally and recklessly, especially in public parks.

"Through our ongoing partnership work, we've clearly identified the need to raise awareness, encourage reporting and directly resource this issue.

"I want to assure the public that we're working in partnership, particularly with the police, who will take action to curb the nuisance and dangers associated with this activity.

"We're pleased to be supporting the campaign and strongly encourage members of the public to report the use of these vehicles to Crimestoppers or to the police."

Superintendent Melanie Jones added: "The sad reality is that there are families in Belfast who are still coming to terms with the loss of loved ones dues to the inappropriate use of these off-road vehicles.

"Since the tragic death of Valerie Armstrong in West Belfast in July last year, across Belfast, police have responded to over 110 calls from the public about people using quads, scramblers and other off-road vehicles dangerously on streets and other public areas across the city.

"These vehicles are not toys. Anyone involved in using scramblers or other off road vehicles must be very mindful of their safety.

"Parents of children and young people using these vehicles must take full responsibility for where and how they are being used legally, that all appropriate safety equipment is used and that every safety precaution is taken. The inappropriate use of these vehicles can be catastrophic."

Fintan Grant, Belfast City Council Park Manager for north Belfast, commented: "We're also trying out access restricting gates in Alexandra Park in north Belfast. These gates prevent off-road bikes and quads accessing the park, while continuing to give access to prams, pushchairs and wheelchairs. "Our goal is to make the park a safer, more welcoming place for children to play and for people of all ages to enjoy. The gates have been in place now for approximately four weeks and no scrambler activity has been reported in this period.

"We'll continue to monitor the park over the coming months and, if after six months the pilot has been successful, then Belfast City Council will consider installing this equipment in other areas where scrambler activity has been problematic."

(JP/LM)