LETTER TO UK GOVERNMENT FROM THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

We are writing to express our concern on an issue that is increasingly being raised by constituents and elected members across the country — the rise in anti-social behaviour involving a range of vehicles. Given many of these issues present challenges across the UK, and much road legislation is reserved, we are keen to work constructively and collaboratively on how we might work together to tackle these issues and improve safety for our communities. We are keen to see what action, if any, the UK Government plans to take using reserved powers to address this growing concern.

Unregistered Off-Road Vehicles on Public Roads

Communities across Scotland have reported increasing incidents of unregistered off-road motorbikes, quad bikes, and similar vehicles being used illegally on public roads, footpaths, and in public spaces such as parks and greenspaces. These vehicles are often driven dangerously, without helmets or safety gear, but sometimes with disguises, and with little regard for pedestrians or other road users. Their unregistered and frequently untraceable status makes enforcement extremely difficult, even when their misuse is captured on CCTV or reported by the public. This has become an issue in both urban and rural areas, contributing to noise pollution, road safety concerns, environmental damage, and also sadly led to fatalities. In light of these concerns, we would urge you to introduce a registration or licensing scheme for off-road vehicles, similar to systems in place in other jurisdictions that work well. Such a measure could support better enforcement, responsible ownership, and a clearer distinction between lawful and unlawful use. We have noted the Crime and Policing Bill offers an opportunity to swiftly introduce this measure.

Illegally Modified E-Bikes

There is growing concern about the use of illegally modified electric bicycles, particularly those that have had their speed limiters removed or adjusted. While e-bikes can provide a sustainable mode of transport, tampered models are often capable of speeds that far exceed legal limits, effectively turning them into unregulated motor vehicles. These pose significant safety risks on shared paths, pavements, and roads — not just to riders, but to pedestrians and other users. We would welcome your reflections on how we can work together to address this issue and again your views on how consulting or legislating in this area could be progressed.

E-Scooters on Public Roads

Although e-scooter trials are ongoing in parts of the UK, their unauthorised use on public roads and pavements outside designated trial areas is becoming increasingly common. Many members of the public are unclear about the current legal status of privately owned e-scooters, and in common with e-bikes, there are a number of product safety and fire safety concerns. Again we see an opportunity to work together to ensure appropriate regulation so as to reduce risks to both users and the wider public. We recognise, for example, that product safety law enforcement is generally a reserved matter.

Modified Road Registered Vehicles

We are also receiving frequent reports of antisocial use of road-registered vehicles that have been modified, often to increase engine noise or performance. These include vehicles fitted with illegal or excessively loud exhaust systems, lowered suspension, or other alterations that make them disruptive in residential and urban areas, especially during nighttime hours. In some areas, this behaviour is linked to informal car meets or street racing activity, creating a strain on local policing and affecting the wellbeing of residents. We have noted proposed changes within the Crime and Policing Bill on this issue and while Police Scotland to not see a lacuna in their powers at present, we would be interested to know if these could nonetheless potentially be extended to Scotland. Additionally, we would be interested to know if there are any plans to review or shorten the current 14-day statutory period before a police force can dispose of a seized vehicle, particularly in cases where ownership cannot be proven or the vehicle has no legitimate on-road use. We are also aware of Luke Akehurst MP’s Off-road Bikes (Police Powers) Bill, which would allow police to enter homes to seize bikes used antisocially or uninsured and would be grateful if we could be updated on your reflections on this proposal.

We repeat our commitment as Ministers to work constructively with you on a shared challenge. We therefore look forward to your reply and to the opportunity to deepen ongoing constructive dialogue — for example, through future discussions in Interministerial Groups — as we work together to achieve our shared goal of community safety.