We've teamed up with Police Scotland to target the growing number of issues caused by people riding quad bikes and off-road motorbikes within our communities.
The Police will use the bikes which were funded through the Local Development Programme to increase patrols across the authority area, engage with riders of off-road bikes and provide public reassurance.
Councillor Jim Logue, council leader, said: “Our communities are telling us that the rise in use of off-road vehicles in local parks, open spaces and even on footpaths is causing real safety concerns and a public nuisance. Operation MotoX will help tackle these concerns and educate riders and parents thinking of buying such machines for their children, what the legal position is surrounding their use.
“We will continue to work closely with our partners in Police Scotland to tackle these issues and make our communities safer for everyone.”
Chief Superintendent, Alan Waddell, Lanarkshire Local Policing Commander added: “We are committed to tackling anti-social behaviour throughout North Lanarkshire and are delighted to be working in partnership with the Local Authority and Community Boards to address the issue.
“The dangers involved in illegal use of off road motorcycles and quad bikes on public footpaths, parks and roads throughout the area is something we are not willing to tolerate. Our Officers will concentrate on diversionary measures, education and enforcement to combat the issue.
“We will deploy the motorcycles in problematic areas and target those who are placing the community in danger, which in turn will address our commitment to tackling the issues the local people are telling us about.
"My message is clear, do not use motorcycles or Quads illegally otherwise we will enforce the matter which could end up in you being reported, your vehicle being seized, risk losing your licence or be charged for causing or permitting your child to use them”.
“The motorcycles have already been used to support ongoing incidents for high risk missing people, youth disorder and we will use the bikes to support ongoing disorder plans to affect criminality in areas that are hard to reach in police vehicles or on foot”.