Bridget Prentice MP has urged Lewisham Police and Lewisham Council to make “full and relentless use” of powerful laws to seize and crush illegal and nuisance mini-motorbikes (mini-motos).   

Guidance from the government was sent to local police forces and councils during the Summer outlining what should happen to irresponsible and illegal users of mini-motorbikes. Actions and punishments include: 

• Culprits receive points on their licence, or future driving licence if under-age
• £80 Penalty Notices for Disorder (PND), rising to £100 next year
• Up to £5,000 fine for noise pollution (once Noise Abatement Notice served)
• Seizing and crushing of vehicles of unlicenced drivers, uninsured drivers and those used in a manner causing alarm, distress or annoyance.

The use of mini-motorbikes (mini-motos) is prohibited anywhere except on private land where permission has been granted.

Bridget Prentice MP said: “We need to use existing powers to crush mini-motorbikes used irresponsibly and illegally. Many residents in my constituency have contacted me with understandable complaints about the danger, menace and noise posed by irresponsible users of mini-motorbikes, who churn up our parks and hijack our pavements.” 

The danger of mini-motorbikes was cruelly highlighted during the Summer holidays after an 11-year old boy from Kent was killed when a mini-motorcycle accidentally crashed into a car and exploded. His friend suffered severe burns.  Bridget Prentice added: “Laws are in place to ensure those who offend face the prospect of having their mini-motos seized and scrapped by police, along with penalty points on their driving licences, which causes vastly increased insurance premiums. Let’s make full and relentless use of these laws.”    

• Further information:

Please visit www.respect.gov.uk for a guide to download on tackling mini-moto nuisance