Summit held on fears over town quad bikers

Local politicians, council officials, concerned people and police officers meet to discuss their worries

Amid an escalating quad bike problem in Kirkcaldy, a local community fears it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured.

Calling for joint action, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker has held a round-table meeting to tackle the growing number of issues caused by people riding quad bikes and motorised vehicles.

The meeting follows a visit from the MSP to Rabbit Braes, which has been described as a “problematic area” after concerned locals got in touch to highlight a rise in dangerous behaviour.

Previously, Mrs Baker ran a successful campaign, which she took to the Scottish Parliament to try to tackle the issue in Levenmouth.

The round table included local Fife politicians, Fife Council officials, concerned locals and police officers.

She said the meeting was an opportunity for those concerned to try to find a solution.

“It is clear that the problem in Kirkcaldy is escalating and following my campaign in Levenmouth it is important that we all work together to replicate the success we had in tackling such behaviour,” she added.

“The problem is arising from a number of factors – from parents buying their children vehicles as presents, unaware of the illegal use of them on public roads or fields, to certain people who know the law but just don’t care and will continue to put the safety of others at risk.

“Locals are rightly concerned for their safety.

“These vehicles are being used in parks and pathways causing huge danger to children, residents and dog walkers.

“Many fear it is only a matter of time before a serious injury takes place.”

Mrs Baker said police were taking action and had had some success in seizing bikes and bringing forward charges.

However, she added anti-social behaviour was escalating and “we must all work with local officers to combat this”.

She said identification was key and encouraged people to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

“This is likely to be the first of a number of meetings as we work towards tackling the problem,” Mrs Baker added.

“In the meantime we must look at all options to curbing this behaviour, from what we can do in parliament to change existing laws, to what action Fife Council and the police can take to stop it a local level.” leclark@thecourier.co.uk