Police destroy mini motorbike
A 14-year-old mini motorbike menace has had his machine destroyed after police received a catalogue of complaints from fed-up neighbours. A 14-year-old mini motorbike menace has had his machine destroyed after police received a catalogue of complaints from fed-up neighbours. Police seized the bike after being contacted by people in the Truro Drive and Canterbury Road area of Kidderminster's Habberley estate. Neighbours complained about the noise the bike was making and it being ridden in the road. When police went to investigate they almost collided with the bike as it came round a blind bend, on the wrong side of the road. Every year Kidderminster Police get dozens of complaints about mini motorbikes, motorised scooters and quad bikes, many ridden by youngsters not old enough to have a licence or ride on the road. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
Police seized the bike after being contacted by people in the Truro Drive and Canterbury Road area of Kidderminster's Habberley estate. Neighbours complained about the noise the bike was making and it being ridden in the road.
When police went to investigate they almost collided with the bike as it came round a blind bend, on the wrong side of the road.
Every year Kidderminster Police get dozens of complaints about mini motorbikes, motorised scooters and quad bikes, many ridden by youngsters not old enough to have a licence or ride on the road.
Officers say many youngsters and parents are genuinely unaware of legal implications with so few places they can be ridden legally by youngsters. They want people to think twice before buying one.
Vehicles can be used on the road if taxed, insured and in a roadworthy condition but a rider must also be 16 or over for mopeds, go-peds, mini motorbikes and scooters and 17 or over for quad bikes and motorbikes, depending on engine size. Riders must also have a licence for road use and wear an approved helmet.
Police have powers to seize vehicles where use causes alarm, distress or annoyance to the public. Offenders can get a warning first but repeat offenders risk having bikes taken off them and disposed of. This may mean a charge of £105 for removal and £12 a day for each extra 24 hour period the bike is held.
Pc Paul Noke said: "Mini motos are a current priority in Habberley. We are determined to do something about the problem."
