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Antisocial behaviour
Mini motorbikes
Mini-motorbikes, including quad bikes and petrol driven scooters
such as "go-peds" have become very popular recently and
incidents that disturb local residences, damage the environment and
put peoples safety at risk are becoming more frequent.
If you own one, or are thinking about purchasing one there are a
few facts that you need to know.
Where can I ride it?
- They cannot be ridden on the road unless it is licensed, taxed
and insured. The rider must be over 16 and be wearing an
approved (E or kite marked) crash helmet.
- They cannot be ridden on footpathes, cycle paths, pavements or
bridleways under any circumstances.
- They cannot be ridden in parks, car parks, woods or common open
spaces.
- They can be ridden on private land, but only with the
landowners permission.
Riding your bike
Take your responsibility seriously - think about what you are
doing and how it might affect others. It might seem like a
lot of fun to you but it could be keeping others awake, spoiling
someone's quiet afternoon, frightening children or be creating a
danger to other drivers, pedestrians or yourself. Any child
using a mini-moto should be supervised by a responsible adult to
ensure its safe use.
- Find out where you can ride your bike legally. A simple
web search should provide you with numerous places and events where
you can ride legally.
- Most retailers will make you aware of where you can ride
legally. If you have purchased one and feel that you were
mislead by the retailer please contact Consumer Direct on
08454 040506.
- These machines are not toys and some are capable of high
speeds. To ride them safely you should ensure that the place
is suitable and legal and that you wear appropriate safety
equipment.
Action that can be taken against you
- Mini-motorbikes are classed as a motorised vehicle and when
ridden illegally or in a careless or antisocial manner they may be
seized by the Police under Section 59 of the Police Reform
Act.
- This means your bike could be taken away and you will have to
pay a fee to get it back.
- Court action could be taken against you (or the owner), this
could lead to a fine of up to £1,000.
- Riders using their vehicles on public roads and footpaths can
also be prosecuted under road traffic legislation.
- This means you could be find and receive points on your driving
licence or be banned from driving.
The Safer Maidstone Partnership will take action against those
using these vehicles in an antisocial manner. Evidence
gathered could be used to create an Acceptable Behaviour Agreement
or go towards an application for an Antisocial Behaviour Order
(ASBO).
Are you affected?
If you are affected by problems caused by the use of
mini-motorbikes or similar vehicles then please contact the
Community Safety Team at Maidstone Borough Council.
Information you give us about the problem will be shared with
the other agencies that make up the Safer Maidstone Partnership and
will allow us to take the most appropriate action.
If an incident is in progress report it to the Police.