UK Government crackdown on mini-motos

**Bob** · 3rd August 2006, 00:37

Home Secretary John Reid has warned, mini-moto riders that they face having their machines confiscated and crushed.

Speaking in Manchester at a meeting regarding illegal riding, Mr Reid said "People have had quite enough of this, we know from thousands of calls police have received.”

"At worst, these bikes can be a death trap for children and, at best, they're not only illegal but a nuisance to neighbours.”

"There are a lot of parents who still don't know it is illegal and think it is just a bit of fun. These bikes are not a bit of fun - they are a danger to the local community and to the young people driving them."

Police will be seizing illegally ridden bikes, such as mini-motorcycles used on public roads, and warning parents not to buy them for their children.

Chief Inspector Haydn Roberts, of Greater Manchester Police, said his officers were confiscating 20 mini-motorbikes a week.

**ogr1** · 3rd August 2006, 03:45

Not that "Joe public" can usually tell the difference.

**ZeroIndex** · 3rd August 2006, 06:54

haha, if only they did that with minichoppers here.. and ricecakes..

**Bob** · 4th August 2006, 01:36

I like what Southwark Council in south London do. Any mini-motos caught being ridden illegally are confiscated, crushed... and made into street furniture!

So there is something useful that can be done with mini-motos after all!

**Fat Tony** · 4th August 2006, 02:06

It's a typical response from the UK government though isn't it? Let's confiscate and punish rather than appreciate that al arge number of people enjoy riding the (annoying) things and are looking for something to do. Shame that they can't put some money in to setting up some managed tracks for people to enjoy mini motos in a safer environment and away from those that complain.

**Bob** · 4th August 2006, 03:03

Originally Posted by Fat Tony

It's a typical response from the UK government though isn't it? Let's confiscate and punish rather than appreciate that al arge number of people enjoy riding the (annoying) things and are looking for something to do. Shame that they can't put some money in to setting up some managed tracks for people to enjoy mini motos in a safer environment and away from those that complain.

See what happens when someone does try to educate, rather than punish:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=33357