The Northern Ireland Assembly is set to vote on an SDLP amendment to the Justice Bill that would grant police powers to seize scramblers and e-scooters without first issuing a warning.

The amendment, co-sponsored by DUP MLA Paul Frew and Alliance MLA Nuala McAllister, targets vehicles being used in a way that causes alarm, distress or annoyance.

Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said communities in Derry and across Northern Ireland are frustrated by the dangerous and anti-social misuse of such vehicles. He cited damage to green spaces, disruption to neighbourhoods, and serious injuries or deaths linked to scramblers.

Durkan said parents are purchasing these vehicles for children without understanding the law or the risks, and that misuse can lead to young people being hurt or receiving criminal records.

Currently, e-scooters, scramblers, go-peds, buzz boards, quads and mini-motos do not meet construction and use regulations, so their use is restricted to off-road only in Northern Ireland.

Police in Derry have taken several e-scooters off the road in recent months. Durkan said officers presently lack the necessary powers to seize vehicles immediately, and the amendment would provide them with the tools to tackle the problem while avoiding unnecessary criminalisation of young people.

He urged MLAs from all parties to back the amendment, saying it offers a real chance to deal with the dangerous and anti-social behaviour.

Dublin’s Temple Street hospital confirmed last December that accidents involving such vehicles were the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries among children.