A Hamilton councillor is calling for the provision of a dirt bike track to be built closer to the town.
Hamilton South representative Josh Wilson has liaised with both the Scottish Auto Cycle Union (SACU) and South Lanarkshire Council to investigate the possibility of opening a park nearer Hamilton, as currently the only location where trail bikes can be used legally is in an off-road centre in Drumclog near Strathaven and Muirkirk.
The move comes as the councillor also encouraged local dirt and quad bike owners to obey the law this summer as reports of illegal and dangerous use increase.
The use of such vehicles is illegal unless a private landowner gives permission or quad bike drivers visit the Drumclog site.
Councillor Wilson told Lanarkshire Live: “As we welcome the better weather, more and more people appear to be using both quad and dirt bikes illegally across Hamilton.
"Their use in public places is not only anti-social, but it is dangerous. Last year, my mailbox was packed with reports of near misses and some injured animals.
“Our nature trials should be a safe place to walk for everyone, however far too often they are being blighted by the dangerous use of off-road vehicles.
“It is also fair that those that own and enjoy using off-road bikes should have the opportunity to use them safely and legally.
“And whilst there is a track at Drumclog, some believe that it is too far away.
“That’s why I have written to both the council and the SACU to ask them to work together to sanction a park closer to Hamilton.
“That way, local people can enjoy nature whilst owners of quad and dirt bikes can use their vehicles safely and legally.”
With improvements in the weather, Police Scotland recently revealed they had seen a rise in complaints regarding the antisocial and illegal use of quad bikes and off-road motorcycles in local communities.
Users have been reminded that only vehicles that meet the required standards and are registered with the DVLA can be used on roads and surrounding areas including car parks.
As well as being registered they must be taxed and insured. An MOT will also be required for vehicles over three years old. There is no exemption for vehicles designed for off road use and young people are also not exempt.
