PARENTS across the district are being urged to ensure children who receive a quad, scrambler motorcycle or scooter for Christmas stay off the roads and wear appropriate safety equipment.
The appeal has been issued by the area’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership which is also encouraging parents to ensure they and children who who use off-road vehicles understand the law in relation to their use.
Partnership chairman, councillor Harry Harvey, said while the group is keen for everyone to take care, especially over the Christmas period, parents and guardians need to know that certain scramblers, so-called go-peds and buzz boards, quads and mini-motos are restricted to off-road use only.
He said parents and guardians should be aware that they may be reported for prosecution or issued with a fixed penalty notice if the vehicles children are using in unauthorised areas break the law.
“Police have powers to deal with those who use the vehicles in such a manner that is likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public, for example, on a public beach or use the vehicle on a road or public place without insurance,” explained councillor Harvey.
“Both can result in prosecution and may lead to the seizure and disposal of the vehicle. These
vehicles are intended for off road use only, they are not toys and should be treated as motor vehicles.”
The Partnership chairman said it is also essential that children using such vehicles wear a helmet and other protective equipment.
He added: “If used on the road, the rider would require a driving licence from the age of 16, at least third party insurance for road use, have the vehicle registered with DVLNI and display a number plate.
“The rider would also need to have a vehicle excise licence when used on the road, obligatory lamps, reflectors, rear markings and devices fitted to fulfil all requirements in accordance with motor regulations.”