7 June 2026
SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has said MLAs must vote to give police new powers to tackle the dangerous use of scramblers and e-scooters.
He was speaking ahead of a vote on an SDLP amendment to the Justice Bill this week.
The amendment would allow police to seize vehicles causing alarm, distress or annoyance without first having to issue a warning.
The amendment has been co-sponsored by DUP MLA Paul Frew and Alliance MLA Nuala McAllister.
Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said:
“Communities in Derry, and indeed across the North, are fed up with dangerous anti-social behaviour involving scramblers on their doorsteps. We have seen green spaces damaged, neighbourhoods disrupted and, tragically, serious injuries and even deaths linked to their misuse.
“We are seeing too many instances of parents buying these vehicles for children without fully understanding the law or the dangers. Misuse of scramblers is not only a menace to the public, but could see a young person being hurt or ending up with a criminal record. While police do their best, they do not currently have the powers needed to seize these vehicles and avoid an officer, young person or member of the public being injured during a pursuit.
“The Assembly now has an opportunity to give police the tools they need to tackle this issue while avoiding the unnecessary criminalisation of young people. The SDLP recognises this is a problem that the public feel passionately about and that is why we have worked with colleagues from other parties and welcome their support.
“This amendment offers us a real chance to deal with dangerous and anti-social behaviour involving scramblers and e-scooters. We can’t afford to waste it and I would urge MLAs from all parties to back our amendment.”