This is the fate awaiting machines being used illegally

City council leader Jon Collins crushed a confiscated machine and the wreck joined others seized and scrapped.

Mr Collins said: "They are illegal, dangerous and anti-social and residents say they are causing more problems than anything else in their neighbourhoods."

Anyone caught riding one risks a �1,000 fine and having it destroyed.

The tiny machines can only be used on private land with permission.

The council and the police say they are determined to get these machines off Nottingham's streets and open spaces.

'Distress and nuisance'

The council said riders perch precariously on these tiny machines and use them illegally on streets, pavements, parks and other public spaces where they are causing danger to themselves and others.

Police are targeting areas where they are causing the most problems.

Supt Nick Finlay, project leader for Nottinghamshire Police, said: "The people using these vehicles don't take into consideration the distress and nuisance they can cause to other members of the community.

"Not only are they dangerous but they are also illegal to use.

Posters are going up across the city warning people the mini machines are illegal and dangerous.

Leaflets will alert parents thinking of buying a mini machine as a present there are no public places where they can be used legally.