New legislative measures giving An Garda Síochána additional powers to tackle the anti-social use of scramblers in public spaces like local parks, has been welcomed by Clondalkin Cllr. Kenneth Egan and local T.D. Emer Higgins. “The sounds of scrambler bikes on our streets and in our parks has become all too familiar. A lot of people on these bikes are causing intimidation and engaging in anti-social behaviour. Scramblers are becoming stereotypes of certain areas and that’s not a fair reflection of anyone’s community. I have been campaigning for action on scramblers for a number of years and I’m glad that my idea of giving Gardai extra powers has been approved by Cabinet,” said Cllr. Kenneth Egan.
Cllr. Egan’s colleague Deputy Emer Higgins also welcomed the move. “The use of scrambler bikes in anti-social behaviour and organised crime presents a real challenge to law and order. It is totally unacceptable that certain public spaces have become ‘no-go areas’ because of illegally driven scrambler bikes. I am really pleased that the Government has tackled this issue head-on by giving Gardai extra powers to deal with scramblers and quads by actually seizing them,” said local T.D. Emer Higgins.
The use of Mechanically Propelled Vehicles (MPVs) in public places is already regulated, and the Gardaí have extensive powers to address their misuse in public places, but this new legislation will introduce three specific measures to further tackle this issue.
“The new legislation will prohibit MPVs on public land like our local parks, and also on private land – unless there is explicit permission from the landowner. It will also mean new powers for Gardai so that they can detain a vehicle that breaks that law. Gardai will also be given the power, on foot of a warrant, to enter private premises and remove a vehicle suspected of having been used contrary to the new offence,” explained Deputy Emer Higgins.
“This is really welcome progress and I’m very pleased that an issue I have been campaigning on locally has gotten national attention. This new law will deliver action on scramblers and help make our area a safer place,” concluded Cllr. Kenneth Egan.
