Friday September 26th 2025
Kirsty McNeil MP
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Kirsty McNeil MP raised concerns surrounding misuse of off-road and e-bike’s in Midlothian through a letter to the Cabinet Secretary of Justice and Home Affairs after many concerns were raised by locals.
Explaining that ‘they have become an absolute menace, fueling antisocial behaviour and putting her constituents at risk’, she asked what steps the Scottish Government are taking to tackle the prevalent issue.
Also being in touch with police on the issue, Kirsty explained in her letter that:
“Residents report reckless riders speeding along public paths, often masked, putting pedestrians especially the elderly, children, and those with disabilties, a risk and even frightening pets. Collisions and near-misses are on the rise, yet authorities seem unable to keep pace with the rise in dangerous behaviour.”
“My constituents are also increasingly alarmed by a surge in high-value bike thefts, leaving residents frustrated by what they see as a lack of effective enforcement.”
She highlighted that in England, new government proposals under the Plan for Change give police the power to seize and destroy cars, e-scooters, and off-road bikes within 48 hours of antisocial use.
Explaining that: “This sends a clear message: reckless behaviour will not be tolerated. Communities affected by off-road biking and intimidating street riding have welcomed this bold action to make streets safer.”
Her letter to the Cabinet Secreatry of Justice and Home Affairs asked to explain what steps the Scottish Government is taking to tackle these issues that she highlighted as ‘a growing concern in Midlothian’.
These questions included:
– Will the Scottish Government grant Police Scotland similar powers to seize and destroy vehicles involved in antisocial behaviour within 48 hours of their use?
– Will the Scottish Government take firm action against the sale of illegal e-bikes and scooters that exceed legal speed and power limits?
– What plans does the Scottish Government have to tackle the upsurge of bike thefts?
– Following last year’s UK Government record funding settlement, will the Scottish Government allocate additional resources to Midlothian’s Police Force to tackle these problems?
Asing for a response outlining how the Scottish Government plans to address this issue, this further raises the community’s concerns surrounding the misuse of bikes.
As of yet, Kirsty McNeil has not announced a response from the government.
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