Motion of Glasgow City Council, raised by Councillor Allan Gow (Canal Ward)

Full minutes are available here

Council acknowledges what it sees as the significant public safety issues regarding the misuse of off-road vehicles, including motorbikes, quad bikes, e-scooters and ebikes being used dangerously, inappropriately and often illegally on roads, footpaths and various open spaces, which, it believes, poses a serious risk of injury and risk to life for those driving such vehicles, as well as others within the community. Council notes the value of increasing segregated active travel routes to help decrease the use of e-bikes on footpaths.

Council considers that their misuse can also have a detrimental impact on a community due to nuisance, antisocial behaviour and damage caused including environmental; notes the belief that mandatory registration of off-road vehicles, which is a reserved power, may assist Police Scotland with what it considers to be the often hazardous and unenviable tasks regarding policing, identification and enforcement.

Council recognises this area is a complex and evolving area of policy that is being faced in cities around the world and requires a joined-up approach from all levels of government. Council notes that an Off-Road Vehicles (Registration) Bill was lodged by Anne McLaughlin MP within the last UK Parliament earlier this year and having received cross-party support that the then UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport agreed to establish a task force to look at the wider issues caused by off-road vehicles.

Council also notes that Jessica Morden MP brought a 10-minute rule bill to the UK Parliament to require the Secretary of State to commission and publish a review of the legislation and guidance relating to e-scooters – including promoting public awareness of the rules of use – and notes the commitment from the commitment from the Secretary of State for Transport in November 2024 to look for opportunities to bring legislation on regulating use of e-bikes and e-scooters.

Council further notes that following a Member’s Debate on Tackling the Misuse of Off-road Vehicles led by Bob Doris MSP with cross-party support that the Scottish Government has agreed to establish a Working Group in Scotland including the Scottish Government, local authorities (COSLA), Police Scotland and others to consider what more can be done to keep the public safe and nuisance-free from the misuse of off-road vehicles across Scotland.

Furthermore, Council notes the role of Local Government and believes that these actions complement our Road Safety Plan 2020 – 2030 and recently established Road Safety & Behaviour Change Working Group led by the Safe Glasgow Chair which will also consider this matter and best practice across the UK and Europe. Council believes that these actions complement our Road Safety Plan 2020 – 2030 and recently established Road Safety & Behaviour Change Working Group led by the Safe Glasgow Chair which will also consider this matter and best practice across the UK and Europe. Council supports the continued investment in the development and expansion of the city’s cycle route network and cycling infrastructure to improve public safety. Council recognises the role of public education and commits to bringing proposals to raise awareness in schools, educational settings and in the wider community once the legislative landscape is clarified.

Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to COSLA and the Scottish Government to agree to participate in their Working Group and resolves to do what it can to assist in reducing the harms to communities and families from such misuse. Council also instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Transport to outline the council’s support for consideration of legislative options in this area, including potential registration of off-road vehicles, and to offer to assist the UK Government as it considers what form of regulatory framework may be appropriate.”