Call For Powers To Tackle Quad Bike Terror

A Fife MSP is calling on Holyrood to strengthen fixed penalty notices to allow police to better deal with anti social behaviour involving quad bikes.

It is after one knocked down and killed a dog in a Methil park.

They are illegal to drive on public paths, and can only be driven off-road with a landowner's permission.

Thefts of the often powerful 4-wheel-drive vehicles have doubled in Fife over the last year. One was stolen on average every 8 days between 2013 and 2014.

Claire Baker MSP said: "Since the issue was first raised I have been campaigning to ensure that action is taken to tackle the reckless and menacing behaviour of some people in the area on quad bikes and single person operated vehicles.
 
"The death of Shelagh Cooper’s dog was a cause of great distress to Shelagh and I am campaigning to make sure that nobody else will have to live through that by ensuring action is taken.
 
"The police to their credit have introduced initiatives to attempt to tackle the problem but they are working with one hand tied behind their back. They need more tools in their box to deal with such problems and the strengthening of fixed penalty notices is one way to tackle this behaviour.
 
"That is why I have raised the issue with the Scottish Government in Parliament and I will continue to do so until the problem is resolved."