POLICE have heard increasing concerns about the use of E-bikes and E-scooters in Helensburgh and Lomond, the local inspector has reported.
One such device has been seized in the local area, while charges have also been brought against parents who have allowed their children to use them.
Figures for alleged motoring offences within the administrative area have also been published in a report to councillors and community figures.
Inspector Bart Simonis’ report will go before Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond community planning group at its meeting on Tuesday, November 10.
The inspector said: “We have seen a rise in concerns raised locally regarding the use of illegally adapted E-bikes and E-scooters. An increasing number of these bikes don’t meet legislative requirements and cause a significant source or nuisance and complaints in communities.
“Work is under way nationally to standardise our approach looking to identify good practice from across the UK to improve tactical options to seize and remove illegal bikes.
“The anti-social use of these bikes by individuals who are not competent road users place themselves and others at greater risk.
“We recently seized one such bike from the Helensburgh area. Consequently, not only have the riders been charged with various road traffic crimes, parents who supplied these bikes have been charged with causing and permitting these individuals to ride without insurance.
“Local officers, supplemented by our roads policing team continue to support community concerns across the area targeting those who drive at excess speeds on our local roads.”
Inspector Simonis added: “Our officers are regularly out with speed detection devices targeting areas which have been highlighted to us as a community concern.
“From September 1, across Helensburgh and Lomond, seven motorists were stopped and found to be impaired through drink or drugs, 15 individuals have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal for driving without due care and attention and five motorists have been issued with fixed penalty conditional offers for speeding offences.”
