MWR warn of mini nightmares before Christmas
05 December 2006
PRESTON law firm MWR Solicitors is warning unsuspecting Lancashire parents that buying their children mini motos or scooters this Christmas could be encouraging them to break the law, whilst putting them at risk of serious injury.
Mini motos are one of this year’s must have Christmas gift amongst children but since 2004 there has been seven registered deaths involving mini motorbikes of which six occurred on the road, five involved children under 15 years of age and one involved a child riding as passenger.
Many local Government and police authorities have become increasingly concerned over the misuse of mini motos and other small powered vehicles. So much so the Home Office Respect Task Force has recently launched an initiative targeting the misuse of mini motorbikes.
The sales of mini motos have increased dramatically since 2002 because of their increasing availability. There are a number of budget models available that can be bought for as little as £150 and some are capable of speeds up to 60 mph.
Eddie Mansley, a personal injury specialist at MWR Solicitors of Cannon Street, is warning parents of the dangers they could be putting their children in. He said
“Many of the mini motorbikes on sale are marketed as toys. However machines with electric or petrol motors are classed as motor vehicles.
“Under the Highways Act it is illegal to ride mini-motos on the pavement. In virtually all cases, it is illegal for mini-motos to be ridden on the road. The only place it is legal to ride a mini moto is on private land but only with the landowner’s permission. However, the Government regards mini-motos to be motor vehicles and any powered vehicle used on the public highway must comply with all aspects of road traffic law.
“In order to be able to ride a mini moto legally on road, the rider must be a minimum of 16 years of age, wearing a crash helmet. It is essential that you treat the machine as you would any other road vehicle, which means it must have road tax, insurance, vehicle registration and a valid MOT certificate.”
