Crackdown on mini moto pests (From Gazette Series)

Crackdown on mini moto pests

POLICE in Dursley are fighting the battle against anti-social mini moto riders but are pleading for more information from people in the town.

In September, police launched a crackdown on the nuisance caused by miniature motor vehicles after receiving Government backing in the form of new legislation.

Mini motos are small motorcycles with engines, which can only legally be driven off road. But children and teenagers in the Dursley area have been making a noisy nuisance of themselves by riding them on public highways and in residential areas.

The bikes are classed as motor vehicles and anyone driving them must have a valid driving licence, insurance, road tax and MOT.

Officers are now making use of the Police Reform Act 2002 to help combat the problem. The new law means police can pass on details of illegal riders caught driving any motor vehicle in an anti-social manner or if the driving is judged to be without due care and attention.

Gloucestershire Constabulary's traffic department us now allowed to visit the owner of the vehicle involved and issue a warning. If that individual is caught driving in an anti-social manner within 12 months of the original warning, police have the powers to seize the vehicle. They can also charge the offender and parent, if the offender is under 16.

At Dursley Town Council on Tuesday, WPC Tracey Brian told members that so far four warnings had been issued to people causing a disturbance by driving their mini motos. She added that one vehicle had been seized.

WPC Brian went on to say that if more warnings were to be issued the police needed information.

"We do need people to give us information," she said. "We can't give these notices but the traffic department can retrospectively. Word gets around that they are being seized and people will be more wary of doing it.

"PCSOs are keen to pass on information. Once we get the information, traffic officers have been very good in coming down to our area."

Cllr Brian Marsh said: "I am glad something is being done about the mini moto riders. They have been riding about in the woods above Dursley and I am glad the police are taking note."