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Home secretary John Reid has agreed that many mini-bike riders pose a threat to both themselves and their local communities, but has refused to ban the vehicles.

Earlier this year, Mr Reid gave police special powers to confiscate and destroy the mini-motos of young riders who use them in an antisocial manner, as well as issuing suspended penalties against their licenses.

Yet when recently questioned on this matter in the House of Commons, the home secretary admitted they are potentially hugely dangerous but refused to bow to pressure to instigate a full-scale ban of the controversial bikes.

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He explained: "I don't believe at this stage we are in a position where we want to actually ban them completely.

"But where they are being misused we have made available a range of powers which are being used throughout the country."

Mr Reid instead pledged his support for legal, private sites where these bikes can be ridden safely and also highlighted the range of measures authorities can resort to in order to combat criminal mini-bike use.

His stance has been partially backed by the Motor Cycle Industry Association, although the British Motorcyclists Federation was equally critical of both irresponsible riders and the government's methods of dealing with them.

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