A few interesting bits from the leaflet produced by Sussex Police entitled Mini Motorcycles – advice and guidance

It covers ‘nuisance motorcycles’ – scooters, gopeds, trikes, quads and mini motos.

Dangers
There have been accidents involving the illegal use of these vehicles and parent and users need to be aware of the possible implications of using or allowing or encouraging others to use these vehicles.

Powers to seize
Under the Police Reform Act the police have new powers to seize motor vehicles which are causing alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public. Similar powers now exist for offences of no licence/no insurance under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005. Repeat offenders should be warned that they may have their vehicles taken from them. The cost to recover these vehicles will be over £100 otherwise they may be destroyed.

Noise nuisance
The local council has the power under the Environmental Protection Act to serve a legal notice and possibly seize the offending vehicle and may consider prosecution.

Public spaces
Use of vehicles on public parks, land or playing fields is prohibited.

Private land
It is an offence to drive a vehicle on private land without the landowner’s permission.

Roads
To be street legal, the vehicle needs to be registered, taxed, insured and have a valid MOT certificate, and the rider/driver must have a driving licence. The carriageway, pavement and footpaths are all part of the public highway.

If using these bikes, suitable clothing protection and helmets must be worn.

Parent and owners of vehicles can be classed as aiding and abetting if they permit the illegal use of vehicles. The provision of petrol by parents or owners is also aiding and abetting and they are also liable to prosecution.

You can give details about unlawful use of these vehicles to you local police station on:

www.sussex.police.uk

0845 60 70 999

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

There is obviously a demand to own these things and for kids (and some adults) to ride them around, otherwise there would not be so many complaints about the noise from them everywhere.

Just as obviously, having them speeding around residential roads and playing fields is not the right way to meet that demand: it is dangerous to everybody, and you only have to look at the state of Broadfield Park to see how it ruins open spaces for everyone.

Is the demand, or latent demand, high enough to warrant some friendly landowner (outside the built up area) making a field available for this activity? We have facilities for skateboarders, so why not for motorcyclists?