Police hi-light scrambler dangers
As part of the Merseyside Police summer crackdown on
scrambler and quad bikes schools officers and Roads Policing
Officers are talking to schoolchildren about the dangers and
consequences of riding these vehicles.
Superintendent Paul White, who is leading the operation,
said: "In the past we have seen a number of young people
suffer serious life changing injuries as a result of riding
these bikes, and sadly we have also had a number of
fatalities. Educating our young people around the legislation
and potential consequences of riding these bikes is vital if
we want this operation to succeed.
"A lot of young people may think it's cool to ride these
bikes, but don't realise the potential consequences. A
lot of the people who own these bikes aren't aware of the
legislation surrounding the ownership and use of these
vehicles, and as a result many of these bikes are being ridden
illegally and dangerously on our roads and public open
spaces.
"Throughout the summer we, along with our partners including
all the local authorities, Walton Neurological Centre,
St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals Trust and the
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, will be taking
positive action against the illegal and anti social use of
these vehicles.
"Ultimately we hope that by taking this action we will reduce
the number of serious injuries and fatalities that
occur."
Key information to the public
- If you ride a mechanically propelled vehicle such as a
scrambler/quad bike in a public place you are required to be
insured - if you are not insured the vehicle will be
seized
- Motorcycles/quad bikes regardless of size, powered by an
engine, or electric motor, can only be ridden legally on a
road or in a public place if the rider has a driver's
licence, insurance, MOT and vehicle excise licence, when
required, and in a public place where vehicles are
allowed
- Parents who let their children ride their scrambler/quad
bike in a public place may also find themselves open to
prosecution
- Police will issue Section 59 warnings under the Police
Reform Act against both the rider and the machine that they
are on when a bike is stopped after being used in an
anti-social manner
- Persistent use of the bikes will result in seizure, and
possibly destruction of any bikes which cannot be proved to
be held legally
- General road traffic act legislation will also be used to
report for summons anyone committing offences on the roads
leading to these parks