Zero tolerance on mini motorbikes

Mini motos can only be ridden legally on private property

Police in Lincolnshire have reminded youngsters about their zero tolerance approach to mini motorbikes after officers seized two in one day.

One of the mini motos was seized from a 13-year-old boy in Spalding and the other from a 16-year-old youth riding around in Market Deeping.

In both cases, the bikes were signed over to police to be disposed of instead of paying a fee.

Officers said bikes ridden illegally would continue to be confiscated.

'Anti-social behaviour'

Riding mini motorbikes on roads, pavements, housing estates, car parks and public spaces is illegal and they should only be used on private property where permission has been given, police said.

"This should be a serious warning to anyone who owns a mini moto, goped or other motorised bike," said Ch Insp Ian Gorst.

"Our officers are out on the streets and will not hesitate to use the powers available to them to give out warnings or to seize vehicles, especially if the rider is breaking the law or involved in anti-social behaviour."

If an officer seizes a bike and the owner wants to reclaim the vehicle, they must pay £105 release fee plus £12 for every day it has been stored and produce a valid drivers licence, insurance, road tax and MOT certificate.

Police in Lincolnshire have so far seized 376 vehicles since January and disposed of 206.