Police will use the new quad bikes, which have been funded through North Lanarkshire Council’s Local Development Programme and supported by all nine Community Boards, to increase patrols across the authority area, engage with riders of off-road bikes, provide public reassurance as well as supporting additional operational requirements. 

Following the launch of Operation MotoX in July 2021, there was an overall reduction in incidents involving off road motorcycles and quads by around 51%, based on the first six months of the operation compared to the year before. The four new quad bikes will provide additional resources to tackle antisocial behaviour. 

Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, Councillor Jim Logue, 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. These new quad bikes will help tackle these concerns, educate riders and parents thinking of buying similar machines for their children and explain the legal position surrounding their use.  

“We will continue to work closely with our Police Scotland partners to tackle areas of concern to the public to ensure we make our communities safer for everyone.” 

Chief Superintendent, Stevie Dolan, Lanarkshire Local Policing Commander added: “We are committed to tackling antisocial behaviour throughout North Lanarkshire and are delighted to be working in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council and Community Boards to address the issue.   

“Following the launch of Operation MotoX in July 2021, we measured an overall reduction in ASB incidents involving off road motorcycles and quads by around 51% based on the first six months of the operation compared to the year before. This showed us that we were working in the right areas, utilising appropriate resources at the right times and made the best use of our partnership motorcycles to affect the problem in hand.  The additional quad bikes for officers to use during their operational patrols will not only allow us to continue this good work but will support us in other priority areas such as ongoing incidents for missing people, disorder and these assets will be used to support ongoing efforts to reduce crime in areas that are hard to reach in police vehicles or on foot.  

“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 and quads 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.”