Scrambler riders, e-bikes and motorised scooters gathered on Stewartstown Road in west Belfast's Colin area this week. The event turned the main road into a scene of disruption for local residents.

Police Service of Northern Ireland officers closed the road during the gathering. Residents reported the riders weaving through traffic, pulling wheelies and creating hazards.

The incident follows ongoing issues in the area. Scramblers have torn up nearby Twinbrook on Christmas mornings. Riders regularly operate on Stewartstown Road, making footpaths dangerous.

Similar activity occurred on Bank Holiday Monday. Riders used motorway exits in and out of west Belfast all day.

Local traffic upgrades contributed to delays. Work on traffic lights at the McKinstry Road junction lasted nearly two years. A cycle lane on Lagmore Avenue since Christmas rerouted traffic to narrow residential roads like Lagmore View Road and Dale, adding 45 minutes to commutes.

The Colin area lacks public transport, a supermarket and third-level institutions. Many households require multiple cars. The primary school serving Lagmore West and Mount Eagles relies on Lagmore Avenue as the main route.