Bracknell

Bracknell Police have renewed their efforts to tackle the menace of teenagers riding mini-bikes and off-road motorbikes on Bracknell footpaths and in local woods.

Bracknell Neighbourhood police teams will be holding enforcement days in Bracknell Crown Estate woods and have warned they can issue £80 fines for nuisance behaviour and have the power to confiscate machines.

Over the past 12 months, 29 fine notices have been issued in Bracknell and Sandhurst and there were three bikes seized.

Many people do not realise the machines cannot be ridden on public land, and if taken on the road have to be taxed and registered with DVLA. The rider must be over 16, wear a crash helmet, hold a driving licence and be insured.

Bracknell district council-lor Peter North renewed his calls for parents not to buy their children the machines. He said: "These are not toys, they are extremely dangerous if not used properly.

"There is nowhere in the borough for children to use them legally apart from back gardens."

Sgt Charlie Winter, who is responsible for the neighbourhood Bracknell policing team of Great Hollands, Easthamp-stead and Wildridings plus Birch Hill and Hanworth, said the issue had come up as a priority through neighbourhood forums.

The teams were looking at education through Bracknell schools as well as contacting parents, who in many cases did not realise their children were riding them.

PC Steve McSweeney of the neighbourhood policing team for Birch Hill and Hanworth, said: "The problem seems to be off-road motorbikes and mini-bikes being used on footpaths across the area, which is both dangerous and thoughtless to the welfare of pedestrians.

"Operations are in place to tackle this problem and those who behave in such a way should be warned that we will take action where necessary."

PC Steve Smith of the Sandhurst policing team said: "We have received reports of off-road motorcycling in local woods. The woods have been designated as a site of significant scientific interest which is slowly destroyed by the use of motorbikes over the land."

ic Berkshire ~ Bracknell