Children being gifted e-bikes for Christmas have allegedly contributed to a surge in motoring offences among youngsters in Cardiff, as per a council official. Angharad Thomas, the operational manager for the youth justice service at Cardiff Council, brought attention to this issue during a recent meeting with the local authority’s children and young people scrutiny committee.
At the meeting, a committee member inquired about the council’s data reflecting a notable shift in the prevalent type of offences among young people from ‘violence against the person’ to ‘motoring offences’ between October and December 2024. Specifically, concern was raised about whether ‘motoring offences’ encompassed electric bikes along with cars. Thomas confirmed that indeed these offences included electric bikes and scooters, highlighting a notable increase in the gifting of such vehicles to children, potentially by parents unaware of the legal implications.
According to a performance report for quarter three of 2024, the Divert service received referrals for various offence types committed by young individuals. Notably, ‘motoring offences’ accounted for 32% of all offences during this period, surpassing ‘violence against the person’. Other common offences were related to ‘drugs’ and ‘theft and handling stolen goods’. Divert, in collaboration with Cardiff Youth Justice Service, aims to support and educate children aged 10-17 who have been involved in low-level offences to prevent reoffending.
Thomas elaborated on initiatives being undertaken to engage children outside the court system, focusing on education and guidance for both the youngsters and their parents. She mentioned a reduction in the number of young people brought to the service concerning electric bikes and scooters. Efforts include providing advice and, at times, having police officers confiscate such vehicles to raise awareness and prevent future legal infringements.
The Divert programme utilises the Driving Change intervention to address dangerous driving behaviours associated with these offences. By offering support, education, and guidance, the aim is to deter youths from engaging in criminal activities often unknowingly associated with gifts they receive. This approach emphasises a shift towards proactive measures rather than punitive actions.
In response to these developments, discussions are ongoing to enhance awareness among parents and children regarding the legalities surrounding e-bikes and electric scooters. By implementing proactive education and support mechanisms, the focus is on preventing legal infractions rather than criminalising unknowing recipients of such gifts. These efforts aim to instil a sense of responsibility and compliance with legal regulations from a young age.
The youth justice report further highlights the collaborative efforts between Divert and the youth justice service to address and prevent youth involvement in motoring offences, promoting safe and responsible behaviours among young individuals. By fostering a culture of awareness and accountability, the authorities strive to mitigate the risks associated with potentially harmful driving practices among youths in Cardiff.
Overall, the increasing incidence of motoring offences among young individuals in Cardiff, attributed in part to the gifting of e-bikes, underscores the importance of proactive education, support, and intervention strategies to guide youths towards responsible behaviours and compliance with legal regulations. Through collaborative efforts and targeted initiatives, stakeholders aim to address these challenges and cultivate a culture of safety and lawfulness among the youth population in the city.