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