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Motorcycles Face Crush by Full Weight Of Law.
Mini-Motos/Pitbikes face Crush by Full Weight of Law
Reckless drivers of mini-motos who disrupt and damage communities could receive points on their licence (even if they haven't yet got one), face a driving ban, a fine or even have their vehicles crushed under new guidance published by the Respect Task Force.
It is illegal to ride unregistered mini-motos and similar off-roading vehicles on pavements, in parks and on public highways.
Due to increased complaints of misuse, the Respect Task Force has produced a guide to help inform people how to legally use these vehicles and help prevent anti-social behaviour in the community.
The Home Secretary has made it clear that those misusing mini-motos could have them seized & crushed by the police and, in order to help police carry out enforcement, the Respect Task Force is giving £200,000 to 28 areas who are stepping up enforcement activity over the summer.
To coincide with the enforcement campaign, all police forces and Crime Disorder Reduction Partnerships will receive a step-by-step practical guide to help effectively tackle those who misuse mini-motos.
Part of this action is awareness-raising of the anti-social problems these vehicles can cause and of the penalties for using mini-motos anywhere except on private land where permission has been granted.
National data about the scale of this problem is not available but to give some indication
· Northumbria police received 3,000 complaints on off-road bike issues in the last year
· Manchester has identified it as one of its top five priorities in an anti-social behaviour crackdown
· In Reading, 44% of "It's Your Call" anti-social behaviour reporting line calls related to mini-motos, and
· Medway Basic Command Unit (Kent police) received 4,000 calls relating to the misuse of mini-motos in the last year. They also seized 15 bikes in 4 days at the end of May
As well as the prospect of having their vehicle crushed, offenders can expect to receive points on their licences, including children not old enough to currently hold one
If a child is awarded points on a future licence as a result of driving a mini-moto illegally, some insurance companies will refuse to insure them once they have passed their driving test. As a minimum, their insurance premium will be vastly increased.
Home Secretary John Reid said:
"Misuse of mini-motos is dangerous and is causing misery in too many of our local communities.
We are working with police and local partners to promote safe and sensible use. These vehicles are not toys and I want to see irresponsible drivers stopped and if necessary their bikes crushed.
I know people are experiencing increasing problems from the menace of misused mini-motos.
This must stop. It is not acceptable to ride these vehicles on our streets or parks and the guidance we are giving to police and users is clear - irresponsible use will be punished.
Misuse of mini-motos is a growing concern across the UK.
The Motor Cycle Industry Association estimates that sales of mini-moto-type vehicles have increased from 10,000 in 2002 to an estimated 100,000 in 2005, although police believe there could be more in circulation.
Although marketed as 'toys' these vehicles have loud engines and can reach speeds of up to 60mph and police have received thousands of complaints about them over the last year.
Louise Casey, Government Co-ordinator for Respect, said:
"Everyone has the right to enjoy living in their communities in peace and safety, without the fear of being mown down or being forced to listen to the screech of these mini-bikes.
The Respect Task Force is leading a summer clampdown on mini-motos to raise awareness of the problems people are facing and the penalties for misuse.
These vehicles should be used responsibly and those who wreak havoc with them will face the consequences.
Parents should also be aware of the penalties their child faces for misuse and think twice before allowing them to have one."
The Auto-Cycle Union recognise that the illicit use of mini-motos is causing significant nuisance for individuals and communities across the UK. The growth in ownership and usage is almost totally down to the low purchase price - bringing motorcycling to a new group of individuals.
The ACU also believes that legitimate use of mini-motos is a positive, worthwhile and highly beneficial sport, engaged with by many hundreds of children and adults in the UK.
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