Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin North West, Paul McAuliffe and Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin South West, John Lahart have welcomed new legislative measures to give An Garda Síochána additional powers to help tackle the anti-social use of scrambler bikes, quad bikes, and similar off-road machines in spaces such as public parks.
Both TDs have campaigned tirelessly on this issue.
Deputy McAuliffe commented, “The legislation will introduce three specific measures. Scrambler bikes will now be prohibited on public or private land, except in cases where there is permission from the landowner. This proposed new offence will cover places such as parks, green areas, waste ground and beaches. The use of vehicles on private lands, such as farms, will not be affected.
Deputy Lahart added: “An Garda Síochána will for the first time, also be enabled, on foot of a warrant, to enter a private premises and remove a vehicle suspected of having been used contrary to the new offence.
“The scourge of loud, intimidating scramblers and quad bikes on public roads and parks is currently destroying the quality of life in many estates throughout the country. Streets and parks that should be local amenities are being transformed into no-go areas by dangerous driving on scramblers.”
Deputy McAuliffe concluded: “I am delighted to see this Government tackling this issue. These new measures, together with other avenues being developed by the Interdepartmental Group set up to examine the misuse of quads and scramblers, aim to educate young people and their parents away from considering scramblers to be harmless toys, and to make them aware of the serious legal and safety consequences of allowing their children to use such vehicles.”
