| Complaints about young people riding these vehicles on roads and footpaths continue to stream in, and police have called on parents to warn children about the potential dangers.
Parents could also find themselves being charged with causing and permitting their children to commit crimes.
The call comes as Home Secretary John Reid today launched a crackdown against irresponsible mini-moto riders, although the new moves will not apply in Scotland. He announced extra funding of £200,000 to tackle the problem in England and Wales.
“Misuse of mini-motos is dangerous and is causing misery in too many communities,” he said. “These vehicles are not toys and I want to see irresponsible drivers stopped and, if necessary, their bikes crushed.
“It is not acceptable to ride these vehicles on our streets or parks and the guidance we are giving is clear — irresponsible use will be punished.”
The Scottish Executive said it had no plans to specifically tackle mini-motos, but said the nuisance they caused could be covered by anti-social behaviour legislation.
Reckless riders too young to hold a licence could have points applied in advance, making it more difficult, or even impossible, for them to get a licence at 17. They can also be fined or banned, or even have their vehicles confiscated and crushed.
Although marketed as toys, the vehicles — with top speeds up to 60mph — have been branded death traps. They cost between £200 and £2000.
The mini-moto craze has swept across Tayside and Fife, sparking a stream of complaints about noise and safety.
Under current legislation both north and south of the border, mini-motos may be used only on private land when permission has been granted.
A spokeswoman for Tayside Police said, “Members of the public are frequently reporting youths speeding around on motor cycles, mini-motos and scramblers. Many of them are riding without protective headgear or statutory driving documents, such as a licence, insurance and road tax.
“Not only are they a danger to themselves, they are a danger to pedestrians and other road users.
“Complaints have also been received regarding the noise.
“The only place where they can legally ride these motorcycles off-road is on private land with the written consent of the landowner. I urge parents not to purchase these vehicles for their children unless they have already got written permission from landowners.
“Parents who have already purchased them should seriously consider their children’s continued use, not only for safety reasons but to prevent their children getting into trouble.
“Police will use all powers available to them to eradicate the problems caused by people who continue to ride these motorcycles, causing alarm, distress or annoyance to the public.
“This will include riders and owners being dealt with under the Road Traffic Act and their motorcycles being seized under anti-social behaviour legislation.
“A person whose motorcycle is seized must, in order to re-claim the vehicle, provide proof of ownership and pay a fee of £105 plus £12 daily storage and a £35 out-of-hours administration charge.”
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents welcomed today’s announcement of a crackdown.
There have been at least six deaths involving mini-motos, and many more people have been injured. |
