| Officers have stopped children as young as 12 riding these off-road machines with no supervision or protective headgear.
Inspector Alan Szwec said children are putting themselves and others in considerable danger. He said some of the incidents could have resulted in potentially serious or fatal injuries to either the riders or pedestrians.
Tayside Police today thanked the public for reporting people using motorcycles and mini motorcycles irresponsibly on public roads and footpaths and private land.
However, officers are finding that, whilst people are reporting offenders, often no description of the riders or bikes is given.
Inspector Szwec, making a plea to the public, said, “We would ask them to also give us a good description of the riders and their bikes — such as colour, the colour of the helmet they are wearing, or any other identifying features.
“The vast majority of these motorcycles are not suitable for the roads and can only be ridden on private land with the consent of the owner.”
Inspector Szwec stated that, to ride on the road, the bike has to be registered, taxed and insured as an ordinary motorbike, and the rider must be of a legal age and have the appropriate licence.
“Private land throughout Dundee is abused regularly by riders of motorcycles, mini-motos and scrambling bikes,” added the inspector.
“These youngsters are no doubt having a good time, but they are doing it at great risk to their own safety and at the expense of other people.
“We have also received complaints from local residents and businesses about the noise of these bikes.
“I appeal to parents not to buy these bikes for their children unless they have already established where they are going to ride them.
“There are no pubic open spaces in Dundee where these bikes can legally be used.”
He added the police do have the power to seize vehicles causing, or likely to cause, alarm, distress, or annoyance. The power to seize the motorcycles or mini-motos comes after a warning has been issued to the rider.
“We have already issued a number of warnings, so if the same youths are found to be using these bikes, the bikes will be confiscated,” continued Inspector Szwec.
“Several bikes have already been confiscated from irresponsible riders. The riders will also be dealt with under the Road Traffic Act.”
Anyone who suspects that a mini-motorbike or similar vehicle is being used illegally should call Tayside Police on (01382) 223200. |
