Calls for action to clamp down on anti-social e-bike and scooter incidents
Police have been called to several towns involving incidents with e-bikes and scooters.
There's a call for the authorities to clamp down on anti-social behaviour on electric bikes and scooters in the Dumfriesshire area, following a rise in incidents.
There have been numerous complaints from towns such as Annan, Dumfries, Moffat and Lockerbie, where some residents, particularly the elderly, have had near misses or had run-ins with riders going faster than 40mph.
This has caused alarm and danger, according to South Scotland MSP Craig Hoy, who went round knocking on doors over the summer, hand-delivering survey forms to thousands of homes.
From the feedback he gathered, the anti-social behaviour on the e-bikes and e-scooters was raised repeatedly.
That’s why the Dumfriesshire Conservative candidate at next year’s Scottish Parliament elections is trying to get concerted action from the Scottish Government, police and the council, before this problem worsens.
“Without consequences, we risk Dumfriesshire’s crime statistics rising and the likelihood of serious injury increasing.
“I am concerned to hear and read what residents are saying about E-scooters and E-Bikes. Riders travelling at speeds in excess of 40 mph are risking people’s lives — including their own — and are creating a nuisance in the communities they pass through, with particular concerns among older residents.
“I have been alongside e-bikes and e-scooters when they’ve sped past on pavements and on roads. They are silent and therefore often more dangerous as they cannot be heard approaching.
"They can potentially knock pedestrians down and cause serious injuries. This cannot be tolerated. I will work with the police locally and press the Scottish Government for more action on this issue.”
Mr Hoy is eager to find out if any other areas in the region are experiencing similar issues.