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Police Warn Against Christmas Craze
16/11/05
Parents buying trendy gifts for children this Christmas could be heading down the road to misery.
Police are warning that the popularity of motorised scooters, quad bikes and off-road bikes together with mini motos brings a whole host of legal requirements that many parents may not be aware of.
The worst-case scenario could result in children being stopped from using their gifts and having them confiscated.
PC Steve Darby from the Road Policing Unit said, "We don't want to be seen as Scrooge this Christmas.
That is why we want to deliver an early message to parents that these bikes and scooters are motor vehicles and when used on public roads or paths, they require a driving licence, insurance and appropriate MOT and tax.
"There are no locations within Cleveland where they can be ridden legally.
If you intend to use them on private land you will need the permission of the landowner; alternatively, they can be used on commercially owned tracks.
"These locations should be identified before you buy the machine.
I wouldn't want to see a lot of unhappy youngsters after Christmas with expensive gifts they are unable to use."
"Also, any parents thinking about buying 'Field Bikes' out of local papers should be aware that many of these bikes are stripped down road bikes and in some cases are possibly stolen.
Any motorcycle bought this way should be examined very carefully for frame and engine numbers and if they have been removed, then walk away.
Any legitimate bike will have a Vehicle Registration log book; if not, think twice or you face the possibility of having the bike seized."
Anyone caught riding a motorised scooter, quad bike or off-road bike illegally could face prosecution, and the penalty for riding on open land, the sand dunes or on the beach carries a fine of up to £5,000.
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