Police in Littlehampton are focusing their efforts on the problems caused by the illegal and inappropriate use of mini motos.

Officers will attempt to educate parents on the laws governing the use of these machines while dealing appropriately with persistent offenders.

Mini motos is an issue that has become a community priority at a number of our Neighbourhood Management Forums.

Littlehampton Police have in recent weeks seized two mini motos from youths who were riding them inappropriately in the South Ham area. Only this week a youth was given a Section 59 warning with regard to his riding of such a machine in Kent Road. Another incident will lead to the machine being seized.

Sgt Peter Allan of Littlehampton NST said, "The law in relation to the use of these small machines is the same as for a moped. Parents should think about where the machine is going to be legally ridden before purchasing one, otherwise seizure of it by Police will cost the owner at least £105.

"They are often ridden around streets and alleyways and can be a danger to pedestrians. We also receive complaints of noise nuisance in relation to mini motos.

"Communities tell us that these machines are a nuisance and danger to them and we will be working with those communities, parents and young people to educate, encourage and where appropriate take enforcement action in relation to their use.

"If anyone does witness illegal use of these machines, please contact us at Littlehampton, but bear in mind we need to be able to identify the rider and/or machine, so it is important to record as much information as possible. I appreciate this is not always easy.

"If members of the community wish to report illegal or inappropriate behaviour they can do so by ringing 0845 60 70 999.

"If anyone has any information about households where mini motos are owned, I am happy to send a member of my team to discuss the legal requirements of such ownership with the owner and parents. Please e-mail any details to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ."

In a bid to tackle this growing problem the Home Office has released guidance on the use of petrol driven mini motos, go-peds, electrical and petrol driven scooters and some off-road motorbikes. The guidance is as follows:

• Mini motos can be ridden legally on private land and only then with the permission of the land owner. In the case of public recreation areas the owner could be the local council, Forestry Commission or another public body.
• Any riders under 16 must be supervised by a responsible adult and all riders must wear an e-marked or kite-marked crash helmet.
• Mini motos can be ridden on the road only if the rider is over 16 and has a driving licence, road tax and insurance for the vehicle. These bikes cannot be used on footpaths or cycle routes under any circumstances.

If a mini moto is being used illegally, dangerously or in a way likely to cause a nuisance, police have several options depending on the circumstances:

• Once a warning has been issued the bike can be seized and the owner can reclaim it after paying a fee of £105.
• The rider can be prosecuted under road traffic law and, if found guilty, fined and given points on his or her licence. If the rider is too young to have a driving licence the offence will be kept on file and the points added when the licence is issued.
• Illegal or nuisance use of these bikes can be used to provide evidence for antisocial behaviour orders.

Police will always try to find a voluntary compromise with the parents of children misusing mini motos. Parents are advised to make sure their children have somewhere safe and legal to use the bikes before they buy them.

To use a mini moto on a road or public place you must:

• Be over 16 years of age
• Wear an approved helmet
• Have a driving licence, road tax and insurance
• Have undergone Compulsory Basic Training
• Ensure the bike has lights, number plate and sufficient tread on tyres
• Have an MOT if the bike is over three years old