NO INSURANCE? TAKE A RIDE TO THE CRUSHER!

Riders of uninsured off-road motorcycles, quad bikes and mini-motos being driven illegally are being put on warning – your machine could soon be heading for the crusher!

Police powers to seize uninsured motor vehicles have now been extended to cover motorcycles, quad bikes and mini-motos. Even bikes being pushed on the pavement could be seized and then crushed after seven days, unless a certificate of insurance can be provided.

The move is another step in a concerted campaign being mounted by Greater Manchester Police Authority, the Police and other agencies to deal with the growing menace of the illegal use of these machines. This is in response to growing concerns in communities across Greater Manchester about the increasing use of uninsured and untaxed off-road machines.

Numerous injuries and deaths have occurred both to riders and innocent bystanders and considerable damage is being done to parks, playing fields, woodlands and other public spaces.

Chief Inspector Haydn Roberts of GMP’s Traffic Network Section says:
“We now have the power to seize these uninsured, untaxed machines and we will not hesitate to use these powers to rid our communities of this menace.

“We are currently seizing over 1300 uninsured and untaxed motor vehicles each month and unless you want your motor bike or car to be seized, make sure you comply with the law by being taxed and insured and properly licenced.”

Councillor Paul Murphy, Vice-Chair Greater Manchester Police Authority, is leading the campaign and fully supports GMP’s policy, saying: “People who ride these potentially lethal machines in any manner and on any road, pavement or public place will have their bikes seized. They rarely have insurance and when accidents occur and innocent victims suffer injuries, they have limited recourse to compensation.”

Greater Manchester Police Authority has published advice and information on off-road nuisance on its website www.stopoffroadnuisance.co.uk. It is also encouraging people to report incidents to the police by calling 0161-872-5050 to enable problem hotspots to be identified and action taken.

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