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Last Updated: Monday, 25 July, 2005, 12:58 GMT 13:58 UK
Warning over danger of mini bikes
The anti-social use of miniature motorcycles has led police and safety campaigners to clamp down on those who ride them illegally.

Sussex Police said Hastings and St Leonards were seeing more complaints about mini bikes being used on industrial sites and housing estates.

The rise coincided with the generally warmer weather experienced since March, said Insp Neil Honnor.

Mini bikes could prove dangerous in public areas, he added.

The Safer Hastings Partnership has reiterated that the vehicles are "not legal for road or pavement use".

We do not consider it safe to use them [mini bikes] in areas used by the general public
Richard Homewood, Safer Hastings Partnership

Riding the bikes is also not permissible in parks, gardens or open spaces maintained by Hastings Borough Council.

Richard Homewood, the council's executive director for safety and chairman of the partnership, said: "While we support the use of these vehicles in appropriate places and under supervision, we do not consider it safe to use them in areas used by the general public."

Mr Honnor commented: "The police are fully supportive of the council's refusal to allow these vehicles to be used on their land."

He said the focus of the current clampdown was anti-social riding, with young people using mini bikes off-road proving to be a "perennial problem".

The Safer Hastings Partnership is also highlighting the fact that the vehicles also have the standard legal requirements of driving licences, tax and insurance.


SEE ALSO:
Mini bike menace talks in Commons
18 Jul 05 |  Coventry/Warwickshire
Warning over 'illegal' mini bikes
17 Jul 05 |  Derbyshire


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