Check the law before you buy, urge police

Residents buying certain vehicles as Christmas presents are being reminded to check the laws before buying.

Vehicles such as motorcycles, mini motos, electric scooters, quad bikes, Go Ped’s and Segways, are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles and as such are subject to road traffic laws.

They can not be used on public highways, only on private property with the owner's consent, or in spaces set aside for use by pedestrians, cyclists, and horse-riders.

Inspector Jamie Bell, from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Un i t , s a i d : “M a ny p e o p l e won’t realise when buying these items as gifts that they a re sub je c t to road tra f fic laws and people can be prose c ute d fo r n ot abid i n g by them.

“With electronic scooters becoming more popular this year due to a number of trials around the country, people need to be aware that they cannot be ridden on public roads and that they have to abide by road traffic laws.

"In the eyes of the law they are classed as every day vehicles and they can be seized.

“Of course we don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, but anyone buying vehicles like electronic scooters, quad bikes and mini motors needs to ensure that they are used responsibly and on private land with the landowners’ permission.

"Parents could even face fines or points on their licence for allowing children to use vehicles in contravention of the Road Traffic Act.”

If on a public road, all riders or drivers of motor vehicles must hold a suitable licence, insurance, tax, registration plate and may also need a valid MOT.

For further information, visit www.askthe.police.uk