Inspector Les Clark has warned that mini motorcycles, which it has been claimed are being misused on two housing estates, are not designed or approved for use on public highways, which also includes pavements.
His warning comes after the problem of the rise in under-age children riding mini motorbikes and quad bikes on the road was brought to the attention of Tenby Town Council last week. Said Inspector Clark: "Anyone buying a mini motorcycle should be fully aware that they can not be legally used on a road. Similarly, it is not permissible to use them on other public spaces like car parks or playing fields. In fact, the only places that they can lawfully be used is on genuinely private property."
In order for such machines to be used on a road, the riders must ensure that they have the appropriate licence, vehicle excise licence for the machine and crucially third party insurance.
Continued Insp. Clark: "Injuries caused to third parties whilst using the machine on a road or a pavement will be the responsibility of the rider and he or she may be liable to civil action, which in the event of a child rider, the parents would inevitably become involved."
He added: "Parents considering purchasing machines for children (especially in the run-up to Christmas) should ensure that the correct advice is sought about insurance, licensing and the type of protective clothing to be worn by the rider."