MINI MOTOS AND MOTORISED SCOOTERS -‘Don't lose your wheels'

POLICE are issuing a warning to parents and youths about the purchase and use of motorised scooters and mini motos as the school summer holidays get underway.

Motorised scooters, also known as mini motos, buzz-boards and go-peds are actually sold as not being suitable for use on the road.

The vehicles are all fitted with a mechanical engine and some models are capable of speeds up to 40mph. As a result of the design and specification many parents and young people are unaware of either the dangers or the road traffic offences that may be committed.

The High Court has deemed that if such a vehicle is used on the road it is classed as a mechanically propelled vehicle under Section 185 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Therefore, before it can be used on the road, a motorised scooter must be registered with the DVLA as a moped and the rider must comply with the regulations set out for moped riders.

This means the rider must be aged 16 or over and they must hold a relevant driving licence. If they hold a provisional licence L-plates must be displayed and they must have taken their Compulsory Basic Training. Riders must also wear crash helmets and the vehicle must be insured, taxed, hold a MOT certificate and display a number plate.

Inspector Keith Tilley, from the Strategic Road Policing Unit said: “These vehicles are very popular with youths in the county. However the problem is that many of the people who buy these motorised scooters are unaware of the legislation concerning their use.

A number of concerns about these vehicle have been raised. Firstly concerns for the safety of young people riding these scooters and the danger posed to others, especially pedestrians. Another major concern is the anti social behaviour problems associated with these vehicles.

To increase the public's awareness posters and flyers, titled ‘Don't lose your wheels', are being distributed across the county highlighting the consequences riders of these vehicles face if they are caught. It also covers all the areas in which these vehicles cannot be ridden and goes through all the necessary documentation needed to ride these vehicles on the road.

Over the summer months police will be targeting the riders of these vehicles. The drive will see officers enforcing the law and educating parents, youths and retail outlets about the laws surrounding these vehicles.

The powers result from the 2002 Police Reform Act and mean that, following an initial warning, a vehicle can be seized if it continues to be used anti-socially. People will initially be given a verbal and written warning and if they continue to use the vehicle in an anti-social manner in the following twelve months the vehicle will be seized.

People found using these machines on a road or public place without valid insurance are liable to receive a 6-point penalty along with a typical fine of £600, as well as having the vehicle seized and subsequently crushed. Drivers who have not yet qualified for a full driving licence will have these penalty points endorsed upon one later attained in life.