The streets of the South East will be more peaceful this Christmas following a Government campaign to clampdown on the misuse of mini motos.  The campaign lead by the Government’s Respect Task Force saw more than 100 mini motos seized or crushed during the six-week crackdown in areas across the region.

Launched in August by the Home Secretary, it saw tough enforcement action being taken by police alongside local authorities. This was combined with awareness-raising of the anti-social problems caused by the illegal use of these vehicles and guidance published by the Respect Task Force.

In total, the summer blitz on the illegal use of mini motos saw over 610 taken off the streets across England and Wales.

The areas of the (region) that were involved recorded the following successes:
* more than 108 seized or crushed:
* warnings issued to 497 people, with a further 23 parents spoken to by police; and
* more than 20 arrests

Home Office Minister Tony McNulty said:

“I hope that any parent who is thinking of giving a mini-moto to their child this Christmas realises that driving them on roads, pavements or in parks is illegal and could result in the vehicles being crushed by the police.

“As our summer campaign has shown, local people find mini-moto misuse a serious nuisance that damages and disrupts their communities. The Police and local partners want to promote safe and sensible use, but aren’t afraid to act if the vehicles are being used irresponsibly.”

Drivers who uses mini motos anywhere except on private land where permission has been granted face a range of penalties including the prospect of having their vehicle crushed. Offenders can also expect to receive points on their licence, including children not old enough to currently hold one.

If a child is awarded points on a future licence as a result of driving a mini-moto illegally, some insurance companies will refuse to insure them once they have passed their driving test. As a minimum, their insurance premium will be vastly increased.
Louise Casey, the Government’s Co-ordinator for Respect, said:

“Mini-motos are not toys. Their loud engines and speed can make them a menace to communities, disrupting people’s right to live in peace and safety.

“Our summer campaign has shown that targeted enforcement action coupled with education can be hugely successful in reducing the harmful impact of mini-motos on local communities.”

The Respect Action Plan was published in January 2006 and Guidance on mini moto misuse is available at www.respect.gov.uk

Additional notes on mini-moto and other miniature vehicle use can be found on the Department for Transport website at www.dft.gov.uk.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has issued a circular giving guidance on the acceptable use of mechanically propelled vehicles on rights of way and off-road in the countryside.  This is available online at www.defra.gov.uk.

The Auto-Cycle Union recognise that the illicit use of mini-motos is causing significant nuisance for individuals and communities across the UK www.acu.org.uk or ring 01788 566400 for details.