Push scooters, the latest fad for Island youth, may soon be banned from the city of Hamilton.

Corporation Secretary Roger Sherratt last night told The Royal Gazette scooter riders and pedal cyclists in the city can expect a new, get-tough attitude, soon.

He said Police will be patrolling the city over the next week with specific instructions to be on the lookout for illegal vehicle use.

Mr. Sherratt said several years ago roller skates and skateboards were banned from the city after safety issues had been raised, and the new scooters were soon to follow: "They are very dangerous to ride in Hamilton'' he said, highlighting a recent incident where children riding down Burnaby Hill sidewalk on their scooters had gone around the corner on to Front Street by Chatham house and run into a group of people standing on the sidewalk.

Sherratt warns scooter riders Mr. Sherratt said the scooters can attain a speed greater than 15 miles per hour and this was not acceptable for pedestrians.

He also urged parents to tell their children they must not use their scooters in the city.

He said the corporation was consulting with the Road Safety Council and although they were not exactly sure of the legality of riding scooters in Hamilton, it is likely action will be taken to make their use within the city limits illegal.

Road Safety Officer, Roxanne Christopher, said she was concerned with how children use the scooters, and is particularly concerned with motorised scooters.

She said she expected to have a meeting early this week with Mr. Sherratt to discuss what possible action to take, and would look at all possible alternatives to banning the scooters from the city.

She said the scooters were hot new toys and with Christmas coming, she would be speaking out extensively on this topic.

The legality of the motorised scooters is still a grey area legally, with Police seeking guidance from the Director of Public Prosecutions office.

In addition to the crackdown on scooters in the city, Mr. Sherratt said complaints have also been made about youths riding cycles on sidewalks.

He said: "youths flouting this particular rule will be stopped and possibly ticketed''.

This will also include cyclists who do not obey traffic lights and signs as well as those who do not stop for pedestrians at zebra-crossings.

Mr. Sherratt said concerns have been raised lately. He mentioned an incident where a person was exiting The English Sports Shop on Front Street and was hit by a cyclist riding on the sidewalk.

There have also been complaints of youngsters riding down Washington Lane at high speeds.