MiniMotos - definitely not OK
Are you plagued by the new craze for mini motor cycles? These are the rather loud machines that some people think are OK to be ridden on the public highways in residential areas. Basically it is not OK. PC Jonathan Hill of the Community Safety Team attended the last Forest Hill Regeneration meeting, and pointed out that the only place where they may be lawfully ridden is on private land. Anyone riding them on the open road can be prosecuted. Apparently, there have been several complaints, but it is difficult for the police to act unless the culprits are caught committing the offence. The police need to find where the bikes are housed as they do have the power to confiscate where known misuse has occurred. These bikes cannot be used on the public highway, and as such have no insurance in the event of an accident involving another party. If you know of any misuse let PC Hill know on 8284 5225.
David Otway
As parents may be unaware of the law in respect of these vehicles, Inspector Barry Geal was contacted about this issue. He sent us the following:
MiniMotos....
.....are just another mechanically propelled vehicle!
But they are not approved for use on the road so Construction Use offences will be committed.
For the purposes of the law they are treated the same as a 50cc moped. The law applies to a 'Road or Public place'. Therefore all the usual documentation is required.
Protective equipment must be worn.
Which means that the same offences are committed as if it were a '250cc scrambler' machine ridden by a 15 year old not wearing a crash helmet.
These offences can be dealt with in the usual way by reporting for summons or by the issue of a Fixed Penalty Notice. However, S.59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 deals with the issue where a motor vehicle is used in such a manner deemed as Anti Social Behaviour and offences under S.3 (Without Due Care) & S.34 (Used in a place other than a road) Road Traffic Act 1988 are committed.
Other offences that can be considered are: -
Storage of petroleum spirit in dwellings. Which is also a breach of the tenancy agreement making the tenant liable to eviction. This can be dealt with in partnership with the housing offices.
Where parents or guardians allow children into a situation involving danger.
Other means of combating these problems is consideration of the use of Acceptable Behavioural Contracts, Anti Social Behaviour Orders and Parenting Orders.