Cops near Glasgow could soon be given quad bikes to help them chase down yobs using off-road vehicles illegally.

Renfrewshire council is currently in the process of procuring two quad bikes which would be used across the region by police to deal with people driving the likes of motorbikes over public land.

It is hoped the vehicles would make it easier for cops to catch drivers who often race off as soon as they see officers appear on the scene.

 

Inspector Laura Hamill, of Paisley’s community policing team, said: “We take concerns within our community seriously and as such we have been working in partnership with Renfrewshire Council on this project to address the issues relating to people using off-road vehicles within our communities.”

Councillor John Shaw, who represents Renfrew North, said there have been several incidents of people using off-road vehicles in the town’s Kirklandneuk Park.

And he was pleased to hear the council and the police were working together to tackle anti-social behaviour in the community.

He said: “I was delighted to hear of a positive partnership between the council and Police Scotland to assist in dealing with unauthorised use of public land by motorbikes and quad bikes.

“This has been an often reported issue at Kirklandneuk Park but also at other parks across Renfrewshire.

Glasgow Times: Councillor John Shaw, centre Councillor John Shaw, centre

“Myself and colleagues Lisa-Marie Hughes, Marie McGurk and Will Mylet have all been pushing for some work to be done on this for some time now.

“It’s good to hear the council is now working to provide Police Scotland with quad bikes locally which should help alleviate the issue of motorbikes disappearing off into the distance as officers arrive and allow officers to provide advice or take action much more easily where appropriate.

“We’ll hopefully see the bikes in action in the not too distant future.”

A council spokesman said: “Through the Community Safety Partnership, colleagues from the council and Police Scotland are progressing plans to address issues of anti-social behaviour and illegal use of quad bikes and off-road vehicles in Renfrewshire.”