I am looking to see action on the misuse of off-road vehicles (such as quad and dirt bikes). This truly is an issue that impacts people all over Scotland. I know from the communities I serve the misery the inappropriate use of such vehicles can cause. This includes the increasing use of such vehicles illegally on our roads. I have been working closely with Councillor Allan Gow (Canal Ward) as we jointly progress this campaign.
8 October 2025
Action on Off-Road Vehicle and E-Bike Misuse
I was pleased to have confirmed to me that Police Scotland are reviewing guidance around the confiscation of off-road vehicles and often (illegally modified) e-bikes which are being misused. I have called for greater powers and continue to campaign for further measures by both the UK and Scottish Government’s to tackle wider issues in this area.
As always, I note that there are many responsible users of such vehicles.
The video allows you to listen to my question and hear what the minster had to say.
Timeline of events
May 2024 - Motion to the Scottish Parliament
I submitted a motion to the Scottish Parliament.
May 2024 - Asking the First Minister
In the Scottish Parliament I raised this with the then First Minister, who agreed with my concerns. At the time, I wanted to work with local MP Anne McLaughlin who tried to change the law in Westminster. She had agreement from the Home Office to start a task force.
September 2024 - Members Debate
I held a Members debate in the Scottish Parliament. During the debate, I welcomed the support from MSPs from other parties.
November 2024 - UK Government Rejection
With the change of government at Westminster, the new Government rejected calls for a licence scheme, but the fight goes on.
December 2024 - Glasgow City Council Motion
Councillor Allan Gow brought a motion to Glasgow City Council which urges Glasgow City Council and COSLA to take part in the Working Group
January 2025 - Raising with the Minister
I raised the issue, with the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, of ebikes and sooters that may have been given as gifts at Christmas
February 2025 - Working Group
A Working Group met for the first time in February 2025. This included myself and other interested MSPs, Councillor Allan Gow, Glasgow City Council, Police Scotland, COSLA and the Scottish Government. You can read more about this at https://www.bob-doris.scot/563
June 2025 - Question to the Minister
I again raised this in the Scottish Parliament on 25 June - you can watch this here
June 2025 - Summer Updates
A second meeting took place between myself, Councillor Gow and Scottish Government ministers. Two actions agreed at this meeting were that there will be a nationwide CrimeStoppers campaign launching at the start of July - something I had asked for at the initial meeting of the working group find out more here. Secondly, the Scottish Government ministers have written to the UK Government to seek to work together on shared aims. You can read more by reading the letter here