During a recent city council meeting, community members voiced their concerns regarding the increasing use of off-road vehicles on public streets, a trend they described as creating chaos and intimidation within the city. One speaker shared his experience from the 2016 Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, where he witnessed similar issues, commending local law enforcement and the city manager for their efforts to address the problem.

The speaker emphasized the need for clear language in proposed ordinances to ensure that legitimate uses of vehicles, such as those employed by workers in the Marina area, are not adversely affected. He raised concerns about the potential seizure and forfeiture of vehicles involved in reckless driving, suggesting that instead of being auctioned back into circulation, these vehicles should be destroyed to prevent further misuse.

Another resident, Mark Godolde Getrovsky, expressed his support for the measures being discussed, highlighting the disturbing trend of off-road vehicles being used on city streets. He noted that these vehicles often lack license plates, complicating enforcement efforts. Getrovsky urged the council to provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to maintain public safety and hold offenders accountable.

The discussions reflect a growing concern among residents about the safety and legality of off-road vehicle usage in Portsmouth, prompting calls for stricter regulations and clearer enforcement mechanisms.