Community Safety

Dealing with mopeds and mini-bikes

Many parents, young people and other riders are unaware of either the dangers or offences that may be committed.

A mini-moto, moped, go-ped, scrambler and electric scooter are motor vehicles for the purpose of the Road Traffic Act and therefore the following legal requirements apply:

Riders must be aged 16 or over
Riders must hold a relevant driving licence (a learner driver must also display L-plates)
Riders must have passed their Compulsory Basic Training
The vehicle must be registered with DVLA, insured and taxed. Riders must also wear protective helmets, hold a MOT certificate and display a number plate

Mini-motos, mopeds, go-peds, scramblers and electric scooters cannot be used in public parks, estates, pavements or open spaces (with out the permission of the appropriate authorities). They can only be used on private land with the direct permission of the owner, and provided noise is not excessive.

What can be done?

If a motor vehicle is used in a manner which causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress it may be seized by the Police under the Police Reform Act 2002.

Once it has been seized, the owner must pay a fee currently of £105 plus £12 daily storage charge. After 21 days the vehicle may be destroyed
Offenders can be subject to prosecution, with a fine of up to £1,000
Police and Community Support Officers can also issue an £80 Fixed Penalty Notice when the behaviour is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress

Information about the misuse of these machines can be used to obtain antisocial behaviour orders, injunctions or other court orders against perpetrators who cause harassment, alarm or distress in the misuse of such machines.

Council and Registered Social Landlords may consider the misuse of mini-motos, mopeds, go-peds, scramblers and electric scooters as a breach of the conditions of their tenancy and initiate possession proceedings.

What can you do?

Many residents are disturbed by the use of these mini motor bikes and other motor vehicles in their surrounding area. The Community Safety and Road Safety Teams need your help; we can only deal with a problem if we know about it.

Please help us to help you by reporting nuisance or dangerous behaviour by contacting Barking and Dagenham Direct.

In an emergency it may be best to dial 999 for the Police or if somebody is hurt the Ambulance Service.

Contact

Community Safety Team

Community Safety and Preventative Services

Roycraft House

15 Linton Road

Barking

IG11 8HE

Supported by Barking and Dagenham Direct:

Tel: 020 8215 3009

Fax: 020 8227 5184

Textphone: 020 8227 5755

Email: 3000direct@lbbd.gov.uk|

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am - 8pm.