SUMMER MINI MOTO CAMPAIGN HAILED A SUCCESS
September 21 2006
A summer campaign aimed at reducing the nuisance caused by mini motos
in Gloucester has been hailed a success.
Gloucester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) is extremely
pleased with the success of the Mini Motos Enforcement Campaign which
has taken place through the summer holiday period.
The purpose of the campaign was to make sure these dangerous bikes
were not used illegally on roads and other public areas where they could
cause serious injuries.
Reports of complaints in Gloucester were monitored throughout the holidays
and numbers reduced as the season progressed.
In the first fortnight, 54 complaints were received. In the last fortnight,
only 18 complaints were received – a two-thirds reduction.
As part of the campaign, six mini motos have been seized, nine fixed
penalty notices issued and 16 warnings administered under the Police
Reform Act. Other action involved visiting and writing to parents.
As part of the Respect Taskforce national crackdown and enforcement
campaign, two Honda off-road bikes were purchased with money from the
Respect Taskforce as well as both Forest and Gloucester CDRPs, that
are now being used to patrol known hotspot areas for mini moto use.
The bikes mean the specially trained police officers are able to look
for mini motos in places a normal patrol car wouldn’t be able
to reach.
Training for the riders was provided by British motorcross champion
Ady Smith and their protective kit supplied by Branson’s motorcycles
of Gloucester.
Mini moto bikes and other mechanically propelled scooters cannot be
used on the road or in public places without the relevant documentation.
Without this, the only place they can be ridden legally is on private
land with the permission of the landowner.
Proactive operations were run throughout the school holidays after
the campaign was launched at the beginning of August.
Information roadshows toured the city, distributing leaflets about
mini motos, safety and the law. Residents were asked to inform the police
if mini motos were a problem in their area and posters were distributed
across the city, advising people that they risked up to a £1,000
fine for riding a mini moto illegally.
Gloucestershire Trading Standards also visited petrol stations in Gloucester
to remind them of their responsibilities in only selling fuel to over
16-year-olds.
A resident from the Robinswood area of the city said: “Mini motos
were a real nuisance at the start of the summer holidays, but now we
have no problem with them at all. It is so much better and safer for
us.”
Chief Inspector Roger Clayton from the Forest and Gloucester Division
of Gloucestershire Constabulary said: “We are extremely pleased
to be able to respond to resident’s concerns and will continue
operations in the Division.
“I would encourage residents to keep reporting incidents of mini
motos nuisance in their area. The use of the off road motorcycles has
proven invaluable as has the dedication of all the officers involved.”
CDRP Chair, Derek Cross added: “ It is brilliant that we have
been able to improve the quality of residents’ lives and I would
acknowledge that this has truly been a partnership effort, working together
to make a difference.”
You can report incidents of mini moto use to Gloucestershire police
by calling 0845 090 1234.