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Registration Schemes
The primary aim of the off-road scrutiny project being undertaken by the authority, is to achieve the establishment of a mandatory, retrospective and continuous off-road registration scheme as the authority believes that it will deliver the following benefits: |
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Increased enforcement powers for the criminal justice system
Currently there is little scope for establishing the owner of a particular bike. If an individual is causing a nuisance with an off-road motorcycle and the motorcycle is seized under the Police Reform Act, another individual can potentialy claim the motorcycle back without penalty if they claim that they are the owner and have no knowledge of the nuisance being caused. A registration scheme would establish the registered keeper and identify the bike at first contact.
Reduction in the stolen off-road motorcycle market
There is no way of knowing the size of the illegal market in stolen off-road motorcycles. Most purchasers do not log the frame or engine numbers which can allow easier identification of stolen property. Judging from the motorcycles seized in GMP, many bikes have the engine / frame numbers defaced. A registration scheme would also allow easier prosecution of those found to be handling stolen goods e.g. in possession of a motorcycle without documentation.
Improvements to police intelligence
If a report of off-road motorcycle nuisance is received, a description of the bike would be able to be used to search for similar bikes registered in the local area, therefore improving the likelihood of identifying the offender.
Consumer Protection
Currently, consumers have no way of knowing whether or not they are buying stolen property, as there are no requirements
to provide documentation. A registration scheme would ensure that keeper records were logged and traceable. Consumers could expect the correct documentation to be available at the point of sale.
If you wish to express your support for the GMPA registration scheme please email us: stopoffroadnuisance@gmpa.gov.uk