Menu
13/02/2017
Campaign Launched To Stop Illegal Use Of Off-Road Vehicles
A new campaign has been launched in a bid to stop the illegal use of off-road vehicles in public spaces.
It is a joint campaign by Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), Crimestoppers and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Signage is being installed at locations throughout Belfast, as well as taxi branding, billboards and advertisements at bus shelters, to encourage people to anonymously report incidents of those using off-road vehicles.
Susan Russam, Vice Chair of the Belfast PCSP, said: "The Belfast PCSP is aware of concerns in the local community about people riding scramblers and quads illegally and recklessly, especially in public parks.
"Through our ongoing partnership work, we've clearly identified the need to raise awareness, encourage reporting and directly resource this issue.
"I want to assure the public that we're working in partnership, particularly with the police, who will take action to curb the nuisance and dangers associated with this activity.
"We're pleased to be supporting the campaign and strongly encourage members of the public to report the use of these vehicles to Crimestoppers or to the police."
Superintendent Melanie Jones added: "The sad reality is that there are families in Belfast who are still coming to terms with the loss of loved ones dues to the inappropriate use of these off-road vehicles.
"Since the tragic death of Valerie Armstrong in West Belfast in July last year, across Belfast, police have responded to over 110 calls from the public about people using quads, scramblers and other off-road vehicles dangerously on streets and other public areas across the city.
"These vehicles are not toys. Anyone involved in using scramblers or other off road vehicles must be very mindful of their safety.
"Parents of children and young people using these vehicles must take full responsibility for where and how they are being used legally, that all appropriate safety equipment is used and that every safety precaution is taken. The inappropriate use of these vehicles can be catastrophic."
Fintan Grant, Belfast City Council Park Manager for north Belfast, commented: "We're also trying out access restricting gates in Alexandra Park in north Belfast. These gates prevent off-road bikes and quads accessing the park, while continuing to give access to prams, pushchairs and wheelchairs. "Our goal is to make the park a safer, more welcoming place for children to play and for people of all ages to enjoy. The gates have been in place now for approximately four weeks and no scrambler activity has been reported in this period.
"We'll continue to monitor the park over the coming months and, if after six months the pilot has been successful, then Belfast City Council will consider installing this equipment in other areas where scrambler activity has been problematic."
(JP/LM)
It is a joint campaign by Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), Crimestoppers and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Signage is being installed at locations throughout Belfast, as well as taxi branding, billboards and advertisements at bus shelters, to encourage people to anonymously report incidents of those using off-road vehicles.
Susan Russam, Vice Chair of the Belfast PCSP, said: "The Belfast PCSP is aware of concerns in the local community about people riding scramblers and quads illegally and recklessly, especially in public parks.
"Through our ongoing partnership work, we've clearly identified the need to raise awareness, encourage reporting and directly resource this issue.
"I want to assure the public that we're working in partnership, particularly with the police, who will take action to curb the nuisance and dangers associated with this activity.
"We're pleased to be supporting the campaign and strongly encourage members of the public to report the use of these vehicles to Crimestoppers or to the police."
Superintendent Melanie Jones added: "The sad reality is that there are families in Belfast who are still coming to terms with the loss of loved ones dues to the inappropriate use of these off-road vehicles.
"Since the tragic death of Valerie Armstrong in West Belfast in July last year, across Belfast, police have responded to over 110 calls from the public about people using quads, scramblers and other off-road vehicles dangerously on streets and other public areas across the city.
"These vehicles are not toys. Anyone involved in using scramblers or other off road vehicles must be very mindful of their safety.
"Parents of children and young people using these vehicles must take full responsibility for where and how they are being used legally, that all appropriate safety equipment is used and that every safety precaution is taken. The inappropriate use of these vehicles can be catastrophic."
Fintan Grant, Belfast City Council Park Manager for north Belfast, commented: "We're also trying out access restricting gates in Alexandra Park in north Belfast. These gates prevent off-road bikes and quads accessing the park, while continuing to give access to prams, pushchairs and wheelchairs. "Our goal is to make the park a safer, more welcoming place for children to play and for people of all ages to enjoy. The gates have been in place now for approximately four weeks and no scrambler activity has been reported in this period.
"We'll continue to monitor the park over the coming months and, if after six months the pilot has been successful, then Belfast City Council will consider installing this equipment in other areas where scrambler activity has been problematic."
(JP/LM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 October 2016
Warning Signs To Be Installed To Prevent Use Of Scramblers
Warning signs are to be installed across west Belfast to warn against the use of off-road vehicles being used in parks and public spaces. Police will also patrol hotspot areas to disrupt the dangerous, illegal activity and identify the people involved. The scheme has been launched by the West Belfast DPCSP and the PSNI.
Warning Signs To Be Installed To Prevent Use Of Scramblers
Warning signs are to be installed across west Belfast to warn against the use of off-road vehicles being used in parks and public spaces. Police will also patrol hotspot areas to disrupt the dangerous, illegal activity and identify the people involved. The scheme has been launched by the West Belfast DPCSP and the PSNI.
19 May 2014
Work Begins On Belfast Rapid Transit Scheme
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has confirmed that work has started on the implementation of the new Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Work on the Belfast Rapid Transit project has commenced with the construction of a new 520 space Park & Ride facility in Dundonald.
Work Begins On Belfast Rapid Transit Scheme
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has confirmed that work has started on the implementation of the new Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Work on the Belfast Rapid Transit project has commenced with the construction of a new 520 space Park & Ride facility in Dundonald.
12 December 2016
Two People Injured In West Belfast Collision
Two people have been injured following a collision in west Belfast. Two vehicles were involved in the crash which occurred in the Shaws Road area just after 6pm on Sunday, 13 December. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Two People Injured In West Belfast Collision
Two people have been injured following a collision in west Belfast. Two vehicles were involved in the crash which occurred in the Shaws Road area just after 6pm on Sunday, 13 December. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
24 February 2010
Sydenham Bypass Set To Be Widened
The iconic Sydenham Bypass is to be upgraded. The NI Transport Minister, Conor Murphy has announced the improvements to the A2 Sydenham Bypass, in east Belfast. The Minister confirmed that on line widening of the existing Sydenham Bypass is the preferred option.
Sydenham Bypass Set To Be Widened
The iconic Sydenham Bypass is to be upgraded. The NI Transport Minister, Conor Murphy has announced the improvements to the A2 Sydenham Bypass, in east Belfast. The Minister confirmed that on line widening of the existing Sydenham Bypass is the preferred option.
20 November 2017
Hospital Vehicles Attacked In Belfast
Police have launched an investigation after a number of hospital transport vehicles were damaged at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. Eight vehicles were broken into and the windows were smashed overnight. Around £4,500 worth of damage was caused.
Hospital Vehicles Attacked In Belfast
Police have launched an investigation after a number of hospital transport vehicles were damaged at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. Eight vehicles were broken into and the windows were smashed overnight. Around £4,500 worth of damage was caused.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
