Police Pilot Quad Bikes

Already sporting baseball cap-styled headgear, the PSNI is about to add to its up-market trendy image by taking to four-wheel drive transportation with a difference - quad bikes.

According to Chief Inspector John McCaughan, who is in charge of Newtownabbey District Command Unit, officers are undertaking training on the vehicles at Magilligan, where rough terrain abounds, to be then deployed where required.

The senior policeman revealed the initiative at the latest Newtownabbey District Policing Partnership (DPP) 'Meeting in Public', which was held at Northcott in Glengormley.

At the meeting - also attended by Duncan McCausland , the PSNI assistant chief constable - the inspector was responding to a question from the floor about damage being caused by illegal motorbike scrambling in the extensive land around the Valley Leisure Centre.

"Police officers who have been sent to Valley Park after complaints from members of the public are obviously unable to tackle the culprits, as they have left on their bikes and are therefore impossible to deal with in normal vehicles," he explained.

"The deployment of officers on all terrain vehicles - or quad bikes – will therefore give us a better chance of dealing with the issue," he said. He also revealed that the PSNI had been in contact with officers of Newtownabbey Borough Council in respect of the issue, as they own the land.

"It was one of a number of issues discussed," he said.

A spokesman for the PSNI explained more about the initiative and said police in Newtownabbey are planning the move as a pilot scheme during which officers will carry out high visibility patrolling on the quad bikes.

The officers, who will have been specially trained to use the vehicles, will be in areas where there have been problems to ensure those using quads and other motorised vehicles are doing so legally and safely.

The police spokesperson said: "Go-peds and quads as a leisure activity can be both exciting and fun however, as with most outdoor activities, the use of these vehicles can be dangerous.

"This pilot scheme will give us an opportunity to carry out high visibility patrolling and ensure those using such vehicles are doing so safely, responsibly and within the law.

"They are not toys and although many may have been purchased as Christmas presents they should be treated as motor vehicles and the wearing of suitable safety equipment such as helmets is highly recommended.

"Consideration should also be given to others including other off-road vehicles, people on foot, especially the elderly, and animals when riding.

"We would also appeal to parents and guardians to ensure that any child in your care understands both the legal and safety needs before and during use of these vehicles."

(BMcC)