Lib Dem Campaigners Welcome New Guidance on Mini-Moto's

Shepway Liberal Democrat campaigners have welcomed new guidance on the use of mini-motorbikes. Many local residents have raised the issue of mini motorbikes being used on roads, pavements and in other places that cause disturbance and are dangerous to others. Although marketed as 'toys', mini motos can reach speeds of up to 60mph and there have been fatalities and serious injury as a result of accidents.

In 2004 several people found out the hard way that Mini Motos are "Not for Road Use". A disqualified rider was found riding one on a road, he went to court and was sentenced to 2 months imprisonment, and another was stopped riding while the level of alcohol in his body was above the prescribed limit.

The Home Office has provided the following guidance in connection with the use of:

• petrol driven mini motorbikes
• go-peds
• electric and petrol driven scooters
• some off-road motorbikes

Where can Mini-motos be used?

If these vehicles are not registered for the road, they may only be used legally on private land, including parks and forests, only with the direct permission of the landowner, which in many cases will be the local authority.

Mini-motos can NOT be used on:

• A public road unless they are licensed, taxed, and insured; or
• A footpath or cycle route under any circumstances

When these vehicles are used on roads, riders must be licenced, aged 16 or over and wearing an approved (E-marked, kite-marked) crash helmet.

Any child using a mini-moto should be supervised by a responsible adult to ensure its safe use.

Enforcement

• Mini-motos are classed as motorised vehicles and when ridden illegally or in a careless or anti-social manner (that is causing or likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress) they may be seized by the police under section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 powers.
• Before seizing a vehicle the uniformed officer must first warn the rider about their anti-social behaviour.
• Once it has been seized, the owner must currently pay a fee of £120 to have the vehicle returned.
• Offenders can be subject to prosecution, and a fine of £1000.
• Police and Community Support Officers can also issue £80 Penalty Notice for Disorder for behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. Note that a crime report is always needed for this offence.
• Riders using mini-motos and other such vehicles illegally on public roads and footpaths can also be prosecuted under road traffic legislation, fined and receive points on their licences.

Evidence collected in relation to the misuse of these vehicles can be used to form part of the package of evidence to tackle ASB when applying for Anti-social Behaviour Orders and Acceptable Behaviour Contracts. However, in the case of young people, we recommend that the police first inform the parents and seek to reach a voluntary solution to the problem.