23/09/2026
65 E-Bikes And E-Scooters Seized In Belfast Weekend Of Action
Police across Belfast seized 65 e-bikes and e-scooters during a coordinated 'Weekend of Action' from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 September, supported by the Air Support Unit and plain-clothed officers, to crack down on illegal use of the vehicles.
Devices were taken from both children and adults, with the youngest rider just six years old. Those stopped now face a range of criminal justice outcomes. Officers also seized three petrol motorbikes.
Commenting on the operation, Inspector Matt Adams said: "This was an extremely successful operation with the concerns of the local community at the forefront.”
"Police made seven arrests for a range of offences including Possession of Controlled Drugs with Intent to Supply, Dangerous Driving, Aggravated Taking and Driving Away and other offences. Around £3,600 was seized and a significant quantity of drugs including suspected heroin, cocaine and cannabis were recovered. "Over sixty nuisance vehicles are now off the road – and, as these uninsured vehicles are not road legal, they will be disposed of by police within 14 days of seizure unless the owner requests a review by the magistrates court, at the owner's expense.
"Under current legislation, e-scooters and e-bikes are deemed to be motor vehicles, meaning the rider must have a driving licence and the vehicle must be taxed, insured and fitted with lights and a number plate.
"From a safety point of view, their inappropriate use in public spaces poses a risk to the safety of both rider and the public. People have already been seriously hurt as a result of their use.
"The number of vehicles seized demonstrates the scale of this problem. As we do all we can to detect offenders, we’d ask that our local community continues to report the illegal and dangerous driving of these vehicles so we can help to make our roads safer for everyone.
"We cannot it alone, it will require a co-ordinated approach by sellers, parents and guardians, users/owners, police and partners to reduce the number of e-scooters and e-bikes on our roads and encourage their responsible and legal use."
Devices were taken from both children and adults, with the youngest rider just six years old. Those stopped now face a range of criminal justice outcomes. Officers also seized three petrol motorbikes.
Commenting on the operation, Inspector Matt Adams said: "This was an extremely successful operation with the concerns of the local community at the forefront.”
"Police made seven arrests for a range of offences including Possession of Controlled Drugs with Intent to Supply, Dangerous Driving, Aggravated Taking and Driving Away and other offences. Around £3,600 was seized and a significant quantity of drugs including suspected heroin, cocaine and cannabis were recovered. "Over sixty nuisance vehicles are now off the road – and, as these uninsured vehicles are not road legal, they will be disposed of by police within 14 days of seizure unless the owner requests a review by the magistrates court, at the owner's expense.
"Under current legislation, e-scooters and e-bikes are deemed to be motor vehicles, meaning the rider must have a driving licence and the vehicle must be taxed, insured and fitted with lights and a number plate.
"From a safety point of view, their inappropriate use in public spaces poses a risk to the safety of both rider and the public. People have already been seriously hurt as a result of their use.
"The number of vehicles seized demonstrates the scale of this problem. As we do all we can to detect offenders, we’d ask that our local community continues to report the illegal and dangerous driving of these vehicles so we can help to make our roads safer for everyone.
"We cannot it alone, it will require a co-ordinated approach by sellers, parents and guardians, users/owners, police and partners to reduce the number of e-scooters and e-bikes on our roads and encourage their responsible and legal use."
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14 February 2023
Warning Issued Over Dangers Of Fires Caused By e-Bikes & e-Scooters
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) have issued a warning about the dangers of fires caused by e-bikes & e-scooters. The NIFRS said they have seen a rise in fires caused by scooter or e-bikes that have been left on charge. Many e-bikes & e-scooters use lithium-ion batteries which can catch fire quickly.
Warning Issued Over Dangers Of Fires Caused By e-Bikes & e-Scooters
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) have issued a warning about the dangers of fires caused by e-bikes & e-scooters. The NIFRS said they have seen a rise in fires caused by scooter or e-bikes that have been left on charge. Many e-bikes & e-scooters use lithium-ion batteries which can catch fire quickly.
13 February 2017
Road Reopens Following Westlink Crash
Traffic is moving freely again following a five-car collision on the Westlink on Monday afternoon, 13 February. The crash, which involved five vehicles, occurred at the M2 bound Divis Street on-slip. The road was closed to traffic coming from Divis Street. The accident has since been cleared and the road has re-opened.
Road Reopens Following Westlink Crash
Traffic is moving freely again following a five-car collision on the Westlink on Monday afternoon, 13 February. The crash, which involved five vehicles, occurred at the M2 bound Divis Street on-slip. The road was closed to traffic coming from Divis Street. The accident has since been cleared and the road has re-opened.
02 February 2011
Waste Company Fined Over Worker's Death
A Co Antrim waste management company has been fined £60,000 after an employee died at their landfill site in Mallusk - tragically under tonnes of rubbish. BIFFA Waste Services Ltd. was fined at Belfast's Laganside Courts on Wednesday morning, after 23-year-old supervisor David Layland was killed in August 2008.
Waste Company Fined Over Worker's Death
A Co Antrim waste management company has been fined £60,000 after an employee died at their landfill site in Mallusk - tragically under tonnes of rubbish. BIFFA Waste Services Ltd. was fined at Belfast's Laganside Courts on Wednesday morning, after 23-year-old supervisor David Layland was killed in August 2008.
21 June 2006
Campaign to clamp down on untaxed vehicles
A new zero-tolerance campaign has been launched in an effort to remove illegal and unsafe vehicles from NI roads.
Campaign to clamp down on untaxed vehicles
A new zero-tolerance campaign has been launched in an effort to remove illegal and unsafe vehicles from NI roads.
29 August 2003
Illegal fuel seized in Down and Antrim
Customs officers have seized 11 commercial vehicles and nearly 20,000 litres of illegal fuel in Counties Down and Antrim. The Customs operation involving specialist road fuel officers followed the discovery of three commercial vehicles using contaminated fuel during roadside checks on Tuesday.
Illegal fuel seized in Down and Antrim
Customs officers have seized 11 commercial vehicles and nearly 20,000 litres of illegal fuel in Counties Down and Antrim. The Customs operation involving specialist road fuel officers followed the discovery of three commercial vehicles using contaminated fuel during roadside checks on Tuesday.






