Claire Baker has also highlighted the continuing impact on communities in the region after a recent incident when dog was struck by an off-road bike in Lochore Meadows.
She alleged that, despite years of raising concerns and pushing for action, the Scottish Government has failed to make meaningful progress in tackling the reckless and dangerous use of off-road bikes, which causes disruption and distress in local communities, endangering both members of the public and riders.
Meanwhile, the UK Labour government is strengthening police powers through the Crime and Policing Bill to better address this issue in England and Wales.
Claire Baker, the MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, has submitted written questions to the Scottish Government, pressing ministers on their plans to improve the response to off-road bike-related antisocial behaviour. She has urged the Scottish Government to consider whether legislation should be strengthened in a similar way to south of the border.
The MSP said: “For years, communities across Mid Scotland and Fife have been calling for stronger action to address antisocial behaviour off-road bikes. While the UK Government is taking steps to strengthen police powers, the Scottish Government has failed to act, leaving local communities to deal with the consequences.
“I have raised this issue repeatedly with ministers and I will continue to push for solutions that can deliver real improvements. We need a joined-up approach that provides the police with the necessary powers and resources to effectively tackle this problem.”
Claire Baker is also urging the Scottish Government to learn from best practice elsewhere, including the approach taken in Staffordshire, where dedicated enforcement and engagement strategies have been developed in response to off-road bike-related antisocial behaviour. Staffordshire Police have also used drones as part of their response, to monitor areas where anti-social riding has been reported.
She added: “We need to look at the kind of approaches that have been successful in other areas, such as in Staffordshire where drone technology is being used by the police to improve their response.
“People have to feel safe in their own neighbourhoods. The Scottish Government must stop dragging its feet and take real action to tackle this persistent problem.”