02/08/2006
Calls for clampdown on mini-bikes
Demands have today been made for the government to tighten the laws on the use of unlicensed mini-motorbikes in Northern Ireland.
In England and Wales young riders who use their bikes recklessly could have their bikes crushed and points added to their future driving licences, and calls have been made for the same penalties to be imposed here.
Reverend Albert Griffith, whose 10-year-old daughter was badly injured when she was struck by one of the bikes, today said that adults should be fined up to £1000 if their children are found driving the bikes illegally.
Mini-motorbikes can be bought on the internet for as little as £100, and are sold on the basis that they are to be used off-road.
However, children as young as six are seen driving them at up to 75mph on pavements and roadways.
Constable Bill Holden from the PSNI said that any moves to toughen laws regarding mini-motos would be welcomed by the police and added that parents should take more responsibility in ensuring that their children are supervised and are using the bikes properly.
(EF)
In England and Wales young riders who use their bikes recklessly could have their bikes crushed and points added to their future driving licences, and calls have been made for the same penalties to be imposed here.
Reverend Albert Griffith, whose 10-year-old daughter was badly injured when she was struck by one of the bikes, today said that adults should be fined up to £1000 if their children are found driving the bikes illegally.
Mini-motorbikes can be bought on the internet for as little as £100, and are sold on the basis that they are to be used off-road.
However, children as young as six are seen driving them at up to 75mph on pavements and roadways.
Constable Bill Holden from the PSNI said that any moves to toughen laws regarding mini-motos would be welcomed by the police and added that parents should take more responsibility in ensuring that their children are supervised and are using the bikes properly.
(EF)
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As today marks the beginning of Road Safety Week, 19-25 November, the public are being reminded of their personal responsibility to travel in a way that keeps both themselves and others safe. Emergency service representatives have said that those travelling on bikes and motorcycles continue to be over-represented with regards to casualties.
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26 February 2004
Car hits five children as they wait for school bus
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Shake-up For Learner Drivers In The Pipeline
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.