By Joe McCann
THE PSNI has urged the public to report all incidents of anti-social behaviour caused by riders of e-bikes and e-scooters after reports of locals being terrorised in a Bangor Park.
Bangor woman Deirdre Brown said she walks in Linear Park daily and said increasingly the park has been taken over by young people on e-bikes and e-scooters, driving dangerously and at speed.
Ms Brown said the situation is ‘an accident waiting to happen’ and said she has seen 12 boys on bicycles and on e-scooters all racing round the circuit of the park.
“One boy today was very intimidating to me” she said. “He was wearing what looked like a black gas mask and he knew I couldn’t identify him so he kept coming towards me at speed then veering off at the last minute.”
Ms Brown also highlighted that she had not once seen a police officer in the park.
A senior local police officer said the PSNI have urged the public to contact them to report anti- social behaviour on e-scooters and e-bikes and said under current legislation, they are considered vehicles and must be taxed, insured and fitted with lights and a number plate.
Chief Inspector Hutchinson said: “We would ask if you have concerns about the illegal and dangerous driving of e-scooters, get in touch with us on 101, so we can help to make our public spaces safer for everyone.
“Please help to keep our roads and public spaces safe for all by thinking carefully about where you use your e-scooter, and the potential safety issues you could be causing within your own community.
“Under existing legislation, e-scooters are deemed to be a motor vehicle, meaning the rider must have a driving licence and the vehicle must be taxed, insured and fitted with lights and a number plate.
“This means e-scooters on roads and in public spaces are being ridden illegally and, so, a large number of individuals – many of them children – are committing offences in that the machine they are riding is not legally allowed to be in a public space.”
Chief Inspector Hutchinson continued and said the police are pushing for greater legislative powers to help tackle the problem.
A spokeswoman for Ards and North Down Council said they are aware of the issue and are working with the police and other partners to help tackle the problem.
“The council is working closely with the PSNI and relevant council teams to address the issue,” she said. “Community Safety Team officers have carried out several patrols in Linear Park this year, including dedicated foot and e-bike patrols
Confiscated e-bikes and e-scooters which were seized by the PSNI during an operation in Belfast
and a number of joint patrols with the PSNI. “During these patrols, young people have been engaged and provided with advice and guidance regarding the legalities of using e-scooters and other electric vehicles in public spaces.
“Any enforcement action relating to the illegal use of e-scooters falls within the remit of the PSNI, and the council will continue to support police colleagues where appropriate.
“The council also works with community partners, including Street Pastors and the Friends of Linear Park group, to help address anti-social behaviour concerns and promote the safe use of the park. “The council will continue to monitor the situation and work with local stakeholders to help ensure Linear Park remains a safe and welcoming environment for all users.”
