No mini-motorbike ban, says Reid

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Mini-motorbikes should not be banned, despite posing a "danger and a chronic nuisance" to many people, Home Secretary John Reid has said.

In the Commons, Mr Reid said that the government supported well-managed, legal sites and there were measures to deal with anti-social bikers.

But he admitted enforcement was "patchy" across the country and more guidance was needed.

The bikes do not need licences and can be driven at speeds of up to 60mph.

But youngsters caught riding one on the road, pavement or a public place can face prosecution.

'Causing a danger'

Labour MP for Crawley, Laura Moffat, said: "We do have to be very concerned about young people who are not only causing a danger to themselves, but to many other people - not only on our streets, but in our parks and open spaces."

Tory MP Phillip Hollobone, also speaking during Home Office questions in the House of Commons, asked whether the sale of the bikes could be restricted, or whether they should have to be registered.

Local authorities and police could seize bikes or control them through measures like seizure powers, dispersal laws, noise abatement notices and anti-social behaviour orders, Mr Reid told MPs.

"I don't believe at this stage we are in a position where we want to actually ban them completely," he said.

They are sitting on top of a plastic container of fuel, which in many ways is a fireball waiting to happen John Reid

"But where they are being misused we have made available a range of powers which are being used throughout the country."

He said some areas used the powers more than others, but £200,000 had been spent on an information campaign to encourage more areas to do so.

And the government's Respect taskforce was available to advise any local authorities or individuals on what could be done about the problem, he said.

Seven deaths, five young people and two adults, have been attributed to them, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents - among them a six-year-old boy.

Mr Reid said well-managed sites could divert people from using them illegally, but agreed that when used irresponsibly the bikes could pose a threat to the youngsters driving them.

"They are sitting on top of a plastic container of fuel, which in many ways is a fireball waiting to happen if used in the wrong circumstances," he said.