Quad Bikes, Children and the Law?

gordikin

hethmar wrote: »

The point to make with the police is the kids must have driven on public roads to get to private/council land anyway.

Is it not possible an adult could have driven it there and then let the sprogs loose?

babyshoes

gordikin wrote: »

Is it not possible an adult could have driven it there and then let the sprogs loose?

... which would still be illegal, unless (and this is highly unlikely given the type of adult who would let a child loose on a quad bike in a public place) it was fully MOT'd, taxed and insured, and ridden with a helmet.

scullster

hethmar wrote: »

The point to make with the police is the kids must have driven on public roads to get to private/council land anyway.

That point was clearly made with them but the lady at the end of the phone was not sure as to what the law says about the use motorised quads and the footpath. I've no idea if she was a policewoman or civilian - really the question should have been referred to someone from traffic division.

scullster

gordikin wrote: »

Is it not possible an adult could have driven it there and then let the sprogs loose?

In this case, no.

Child rode the quad (with a helmet) from their house on another estate along footpaths to the park area, crossing at least one road (probably 2 or 3). The child was not supervised during the journey there or whilst on the park area.

Coveredinbees!!!!

scullster wrote: »

• Are there any restrictions (age or otherwise) re: the riding of a motorised quad bike on council owned land such as a park or green area?
• Can a quad bike be legally used on the footpath (police didn't seem to think it was there concern - more a council matter)?

You can't do either both are illegal, you can ride on your own land or someone elses land with permission, think about it if you were up the park with your kids would you want some one razzing around on a quad bike?

Bennifred

Gloomendoom wrote: »

If you ride or drive a motorised vehicle anywhere the public has unrestricted access, then you need to meet the requirements of the Road Traffic Act. Riders/drivers need to hold valid driving licences and the vehicles need to be registered, taxed, MOT'd and insured.

The only place children can legally ride a quad is on private land that is closed off to the public.

Have a look at this police poster Linky. It's Scottish, but the same restrictions apply in England and Wales.
.
.
.

This is completely correct. We live overlooking a receation ground which occasionally has quad bikes/ mini-motos ridden - police are very quick to respond to calls to put a stop to it. (Apart from being illegal, it is dangerous to other members of the public using that space)

Rolandtheroadie

babyshoes wrote: »

... which would still be illegal, unless (and this is highly unlikely given the type of adult who would let a child loose on a quad bike in a public place) it was fully MOT'd, taxed and insured, and ridden with a helmet.

No legal requirement for a helmet on a quad bike.

scullster

Coveredinbees!!!! wrote: »

You can't do either both are illegal, you can ride on your own land or someone elses land with permission, think about it if you were up the park with your kids would you want some one razzing around on a quad bike?

I'm exactly thinking of that - my child was out on the park land. The child on the quad arrived and was going around on it. I politely told him that I didnt think it was appropriate and asked him to leave - whilst he was wearing a helmet, if he were to hit anyone else on the green, he would be probably be ok but the other party wouldnt.

Child went off - mentioned it to his parents who then decided to pay me a visit. I'm not intending on taking it any further but I'd like to know where I stand.

neilmcl

When you say the parents paid you a visit, what did they say?

Coveredinbees!!!!

I owe you an apology I thought you were being a muppet and wanted to let your kids loose on a quad bike up the park. If you see the kid again just call out the police at least if some one then gets hurt you did your bit.