Vast majority of residents say illegal off-road bikes are a major problem as Livingston MP demands action
Gregor Poynton welcomes new Holyrood inquiry into illegal e-bike and e-scooter use, but says action is long overdue as he presses for stronger police powers and more frontline officers.
Livingston constituency MP Gregor Poynton has called on the SNP Scottish Government to take urgent action against illegal e-bikes, e-scooters and off-road bikes, warning that communities across the constituency have been left waiting too long for effective enforcement.
The call comes as the Scottish Parliament's Criminal Justice Committee launches a new inquiry into crime and antisocial behaviour associated with e-bikes and e-scooters, examining whether police have the powers and resources they need to tackle the growing problem.
Mr Poynton has written to Committee Convener David Linden MSP, submitting evidence from his own constituency-wide survey, which attracted 127 responses and exposed the strength of local feeling about dangerous and antisocial bike use.
More than 95% of respondents said illegal off-road bikes were a major or significant problem in their area, while 98% backed stronger police powers, including the ability to seize and permanently remove vehicles being used illegally.
Residents identified Livingston Village, Knightsridge, Dedridge, Howden and Craigshill among the worst-affected areas, alongside Fauldhouse, Ladywell, Deans, Almondvale, Bellsquarry and Murieston.
Concerns included bikes being ridden at dangerous speeds through parks, playing fields, residential streets and pedestrian areas, putting children, older people and other members of the public at risk.
Residents also reported excessive noise, disruption to family life, intimidation and antisocial behaviour when challenging riders.
Gregor has already raised the findings with the Scottish Government, called for stronger seizure powers and shared anonymised evidence with Police Scotland, West Lothian Council and local housing providers.
His latest submission urges the Committee to press SNP Scottish Government Ministers on additional funding for targeted enforcement operations, stronger powers to seize and dispose of illegal vehicles, investment in police technology, better local intelligence and a restoration of frontline neighbourhood policing capacity.
Gregor Poynton MP said: "The message from residents across the Livingston constituency is absolutely clear. Illegal and irresponsible bikes are blighting communities, putting people at risk and making people feel less safe in places where they should be able to walk, take their children out or enjoy their local parks.
"This is one of the most frequently raised issues I hear from residents when I'm out knocking on doors, holding street surgeries and visiting communities across the constituency. People are fed up with the noise, the dangerous riding and the intimidation that too often goes alongside it.
"My survey attracted 127 responses, with more than 95% saying illegal off-road bikes were a major or significant problem in their area. An extraordinary 98% wanted stronger police powers.
"Those are not figures the Scottish Government can simply ignore.
"I welcome the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee's decision to investigate this issue. It is long overdue, and I hope this inquiry will put further pressure on the SNP Scottish Government to finally get to grips with a problem that communities have been raising for years.
"But another inquiry cannot become an excuse for more delay. Residents want to see action, not another round of promises and warm words.
"We need stronger powers to seize illegal bikes and ensure that those being used dangerously are taken off our streets. Police Scotland must also have the resources to carry out sustained enforcement, target known hotspots and deal with repeat offenders.
"Crucially, we must restore the strength of local community policing. The SNP have presided over a reduction in the number of locally allocated police officers in the division covering West Lothian. The latest comparable divisional figures show 31 fewer local officers than in 2017.
"These are the officers who provide the visible presence in our communities, build relationships with residents and help prevent problems before they escalate.
"You cannot expect communities to feel safe when the local policing presence is being stretched. We need more visible officers, not fewer, and the resources to ensure that illegal bikes and the antisocial behaviour associated with them are properly tackled.
"I want this inquiry to deliver something meaningful for people across West Lothian and Scotland. The SNP Government must stop passing the buck, listen to what communities are telling it and finally take responsibility for delivering the stronger policing and enforcement our communities deserve."
The Criminal Justice Committee's inquiry will examine four key areas: the causes of illegal and antisocial use, its impact on communities, the enforcement powers available to police and what can be done to prevent offending.
The Committee plans to hear evidence from policing and prevention representatives in November, followed by engagement with young people, youth workers and community police officers. Further engagement with affected communities and people with lived experience is planned for December, before ministers are questioned on the Scottish Government's response and the resources being made available.
A report setting out the Committee's findings and recommendations is expected in spring 2027, subject to agreement.
Mr Poynton has offered to assist the Committee by identifying residents and community representatives from Livingston who could contribute directly to its engagement work.
He has also confirmed that he is content for his written submission to be published as evidence to the inquiry.