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MSP backs campaign to control mosquito devices |
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Wednesday, 13 February 2008 |
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Scottish National Party MSP Bill Kidd has today backed calls for the use of Mosquito Ultrasonic Youth Deterrents to face stricter controls, if not an outright ban.
Mr Kidd, SNP MSP for Glasgow, who has raised the issue in Parliament on several occasions and met with Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing to discuss the issue has now written to the Minister asking him to look further at a licensing scheme or a ban.
Mosquito devices emit a high frequency sound which can only be heard by people up to the age of 25. The sound is intended to drive away groups of young people from areas such as outside shops.
The sound can also be heard by younger children and infants.
Mr Kidd said: "People are rightly concerned about anti-social behaviour but the mosquito device is not a solution.
"Instead of tackling a problem this simply moves it onto another street corner or to the outside of another shop.
"The Mosquito device does not discriminate between young people who are acting in an anti-social way and young people going about their normal business.
"This device is pretty sinister and with online sales there is currently no control over who is using it or where.
"I was encouraged by my discussions with Mr Ewing and will be writing to him to encourage the Government to look further at controlling these devices, either through licensing or a ban.
"I would encourage all those who want to see controls placed on this device to use the Government’s review of the anti-social behaviour strategy to make it clear that indiscriminate use of this device is not acceptable.
"If we want to challenge anti-social behaviour in our communities we need to offer young people alternatives as well as making clear the consequences of their behaviour."
Note:
February 7th, Official Report
Mosquito Ultrasonic Deterrents 2. Bill Kidd (Glasgow) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has given any further consideration to the licensing and regulation of Mosquito ultrasonic youth deterrents. (S3O-2179) The Minister for Community Safety (Fergus Ewing): The Scottish Government has not given any further consideration to the licensing and regulation of Mosquito ultrasonic youth deterrents.
Bill Kidd: Does the minister agree that the indiscriminate use of such devices would penalise all young people, including the great majority who are going about their legitimate daily activities, and that the use of such devices must therefore be controlled, to ensure that it is both justified and proportionate?
Fergus Ewing: Plainly, the use of the devices is contentious. Local authorities are best placed to decide what measures should be taken locally to tackle antisocial behaviour. I would welcome representations from Bill Kidd and any other member who wishes to contribute to the national review of our antisocial behaviour strategy, so that we can build up a consensual approach to tackling that serious matter. |
