GMPA WRITES TO MINISTER CALLING FOR REGISTRATION OF OFF-ROAD BIKES

The Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA), the governing body for Greater Manchester Police, has called for all off-road bikes to be registered. With 86 complaints every day and five deaths since October in this region alone, the authority today sent the Minister of State for Transport, Dr Stephen Ladyman, an open letter, asking him to introduce a registration scheme for these illegal-ridden vehicles.

GMPA wants all off-road bikes including go-peds, mini-motos, petrol scooters and quad bikes to be registered with the DVLA and carry a visible registration number. It is illegal to ride these vehicles, which can not be taxed or insured, in any public place including roads, parks and open spaces.

Councillor Paul Murphy, GMPA’s Vice Chairman said: “Over 100,000 of these machines, that can reach speeds of 60 mph, have been imported into the UK and they are a menace and have proved to be lethal. This serious problem is only going to escalate if tighter controls aren’t put in place. These vehicles are ridden recklessly and often in an intimidating manner, on pavements and in parks causing misery to thousands of people.

“We are calling for every type of off-road bike, whether ridden on the road or in a public place to be legally registered so the owner can be traced and be accountable for their actions. A registration scheme would help stamp out the problem at source, as it would deter parents from buying them in the first place."

For more information click on www.gmpa.gov.uk or www.stopoffroadnuisance.co.uk.

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