Inverclyde has witnessed “rising reports” of antisocial behaviour involving off-road vehicles as it continues to raise awareness of the problem.
The local authority’s community safety and resilience team recently joined Crimestoppers in coordinating the local launch of a national campaign aimed at tackling dangerous use of off-road bikes, e-scooters and more.
The initiative, led by the charity and Scottish Government victims and community safety minister Siobhan Brown and supported by Police Scotland, was rolled out in June.
An update report to Tuesday’s education and communities committee explained this had been done in response to “growing concerns” about “reckless” use of the vehicles in public spaces.
It added: “Inverclyde has seen rising reports of antisocial behaviour involving off-road vehicles, with damage to green spaces such as Whinhill Golf Club and near misses involving pedestrians on pavements.
“The community safety and resilience team has been collaborating with partners to raise awareness of the issue locally and to promote public reporting.
“The campaign highlights the impact on public safety and taxpayer resources, urging residents to report sightings and information – such as vehicle descriptions and locations – to support enforcement.
“The campaign also reinforces legal requirements, noting that off-road vehicles can only be used on public roads if fully licensed, insured, and taxed, or with landowner permission on private land.”
The council said it is working with partners on the issue and encouraged residents to report concerns anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
