Anmesty tackles off-road nuisance

Police say cheap go-peds may well have been stolen

An amnesty is under way in Kent to encourage people to hand in illegal off-road vehicles such as mini motorbikes, quad bikes and go-peds.

Police and Shepway council say they have received complaints from the public about noise nuisance and damage to parkland in the Folkestone area.

"We especially want to see the cheaper, more dangerous bikes handed in," said Pc Jacqui Harris.

She said that to use the vehicles legally would cost up to £1,800.

They are classified as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act and need an MOT, insurance, road tax, registration document and number plates.

Riders should also have a driving licence and crash helmet.

Buzz boards

Police visited schools in the Shepway area before the summer holidays to explain to children about the dangers and consequences of riding off-road vehicles.

Trial bikes, quad bikes, electric scooters and buzz boards are all banned from public land, parks, pavements, bridleways, pathways and public roads

Vehicles can be taken to Folkestone police station until 6 August.

People who hand them in, and are not involved in anti-social behaviour over the summer holidays, are being offered a chance to visit a legal Motocross venue.