On Tuesday 18 February Bob Doris MSP (Member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn Constituency) and Cllr Allan Gow (Glasgow City Council, Canal Ward) met with the Scottish Government to continue with their campaign to improve community safety and reduce anti-social behaviour related to the misuse of e-bikes and off-road vehicles. The meeting of the group follows Mr Doris leading a Members Debate on the matter in the Scottish Parliament and Cllr Gow leading a similar debate at Glasgow City Council:

• Bob Doris for Maryhill and Springburn - Tackling misuse of off-road vehicles and eBikes - Debate in the Scottish Parliament
• https://bob-doris.scot/offroad/24-campaign-pages/515-0-glasgowcitycouncilmotion 

They have also corresponded with the UK Government on this matter; and Mr Doris has raised with the First Minister.

• https://bob-doris.scot/offroad/24-campaign-pages/513-o-fmqmay2024

Also at the meeting was Alex-Cole Hamilton MSP who has also raised concerns within his constituency.

The meeting was constructive and  the Scottish Government will now look at the various issues raised in more detail ahead of a second meeting planned for May 2025.

Following the meeting Bob Doris MSP said

"The Scottish Government have committed to work in partnership with Police Scotland and Councils to look at practical measures to tackle the blight on communities that the misuse of off-road vehicles and e-bikes can have.

"It is crucial that we look at all options to improve community safety and reduce anti-social behaviour. We must ensure that Police Scotland and our Councils are adequately supported in that endeavour. That means a partnership approach which shares best practice; but it also means considering what additional powers are required to help keep communities safe.

"When we meet in May I have also asked to look at what a ‘summer safety campaign’ encouraging the responsible use of off-road vehicles and e-bikes might look like"

Councillor Gow said

"Improving the safety of both those using off-road vehicles as well as the wider public will involve close partnership working between all levels of Government. We are determined to continue to build cross-party and cross Government support. That said our campaign is not about politics, its about people.

"I know only too well the devastating impact the irresponsible use of off-road vehicles can have. Our Councils and our police will play their part but with the ever increasing use of e-bikes and off-road vehicles, public policy must also respond. That is challenge facing us all"