Use of scramblers a ‘growing problem’ in Limerick as gardai increase patrols

THERE is a growing concern among residents of a Limerick city area over the increasing use of scrambler bikes on the roads and green areas.

One concerned local in Ballinacurra Weston, who witnessed the use of the motorbikes, told the Limerick Leader they fear its only a matter of time before someone gets killed.

Councillor Joe Leddin says a number of residents in Ballinacurra Weston have raised concerns over the bikes.

“There are a couple of issues here. First of all, an awful lot of these people who are getting the scrambler bikes don’t have the experience on how to operate or manage the bikes  They are creating a huge health and safety issue in the community that they are driving these. They are a danger to themselves. A danger to the residents and a danger to young children, who may be in the area,” said Cllr Leddin.

A spokesperson for the gardai confirmed they have received a number of reports surrounding the use of scramblers in the area. 

“There has been a number of reports in relation to the use of ‘scramblers’ in the Ballinacurra Weston/Hyde Road area in the past week. To tackle this issue we have increased patrols in the area with the aim of discouraging this type of behaviour,” a spokesperson for the gardai confirmed.

“If anyone notices any type of anti social behaviour we would ask that they contact gardai immediately,” they added.

However, Cllr Leddin says current laws are restricting what the gardai can do.

“If the gardai give chase to individuals on a scrambler bike and the driver of the bike gets injured, then there could be liability back on the gardai,” Cllr Leddin said.

“This is an anomaly that needs to be looked at from the point of view on how to manage this problem. It is a growing problem. And we need to give more power to the gardai,” he added.

Cllr Leddin fears it is only a matter of time before someone is injured.

“I’m conscious of that incident last year, where in Dublin there was a couple out lying in the park, enjoying the sun,” said Cllr Leddin.

“The scrambler bike drove over the husband and did serious damage to his face. I worried we could see something like that,” he added.