Amnesty for illegal moto riders

An amnesty is being held for illegal riders

An amnesty is being held to reduce the number of people killed or injured while illegally riding off-road motorbikes and mini motos.

Owners in Carlisle have until 11 March to hand over their bikes to avoid prosecution as police said they were "potential killing machines".

The initiative is being run by Cumbria Police and Carlisle City Council.

Ch Insp Gary Slater said many riders did not wear protective head gear and rode on footpaths and park land.

Under law, mini-motorcycles must be taxed, insured and, if over three years old, have a valid MoT certificate.

Otherwise they can only be ridden off-road on private land with the landowner's permission.

Ch Insp Gary Slater said: "This initiative is aimed at reducing the number of people seriously injured or killed when using motorcycles and mini motos.

"I am appealing to parents who have bought these for their children to reconsider their decision and ask themselves if they are prepared to risk their child's safety by letting them use these machines.

"We need to drive home the message that motorcycles and mini motos are not toys.

"They are potential killing machines."