Motorbike Insurance

Officers are urging people who have bought one of their kids a mini-moto in the past to reconsider and hand the vehicle in for the child's own sake.

There is to be a two-week amnesty in Carlisle later this month, during which parents concerned that their child could be injured while riding their mini-moto can turn the potentially offending machine over to the local police.

Chief inspector Gary Slater warned that the riders of these bikes often use them illegally on public land and without wearing the necessary protective headwear, putting their own lives in danger and causing a nuisance to others.

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He explained: "I am appealing to parents who have bought these for their children to reconsider their decision and ask themselves if they are prepared to risk their child's safety by letting them use these machines."

"We need to drive home the message that motorcycles and mini-motos are not toys. They are potential killing machines."

There was much concern in the build up to Christmas that many mums and dads would buy their kids these bikes as presents - a gift idea that earned the criticism of the Motor Cycle Industry, as well as of numerous police forces.

Several measures have been implemented of late to reduce illegal off-road bike use but some believe that more stringent action is needed, with MP Graham Stringer recently proposing that it be made mandatory for all such vehicles to be registered.

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