Off-road motorbike seized by police in Somercotes

A 20-year-old man has had his off-road motorbike seized by police for riding it on the roads without insurance in Somercotes.

Officers had calls from residents about the pit bike being ridden in the Penny Town Court and Mill Street area at around 1pm on Saturday, February 15.

The bike was stopped by police later that afternoon. Checks revealed it was being ridden without insurance and it was seized at around 3.20pm.

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Targeting nuisance, illegal and unsafe motorbikes is currently a priority for the Somercotes and Riddings Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team and an operation has been set up involving police patrols.

PCSO, Mark Rogers of the Somercotes and Riddings Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is a reminder to anyone using an off-road bike that they cannot use it on a road without insurance.

“Anyone who owns one of these machines must know how and when to ride safely and legally, and must use them responsibly.”

To ride quad bikes, mini motos or other off road motorcycles, riders must be over 16 and have a valid driving licence. They must also be insured and the vehicle must have a valid MOT certificate.

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Bikes can be used on private land without a licence, insurance or MOT if they have permission from the land owner. It is also an offence to push a motorbike on a road or footpath without insurance, MOT or valid driving licence.

Police officers and PCSOs can issue a Section 59 warning to riders and drivers for anti-social behaviour, and officers have the power to seize bikes from anyone caught using them illegally.

To contact the Somercotes and Riddings Safer Neighbourhood policing team call 101, or email [email protected].

You can also follow the team on Twitter: @Somercotes SNT or @RiddingsSNT.

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