Hot Mopeds under fire
MOPED riders who put their lives at risk by increasing the power and performance of their machines have been warned about the dangers during a proactive operation in Hampshire.
During the last year there has been a higher than average number of young riders on small capacity powered two-wheelers involved in road crashes across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
In an effort to reduce casualty numbers and educate young riders about the risks of derestricting (modifying) their mopeds, Hampshire Constabulary and the Safer Roads Partnership will be carrying out a series of operations across the two counties.
Using a hi-tech piece of motorcycle testing equipment, called a dynamometer police can test the maximum speed of a moped at the roadside in just 12 seconds to confirm if it has been modified.
Recently officers from Cosham's Roads Policing Unit joined Hampshire Constabulary BikeSafe coordinator PC Mick Gear, in setting up stop checks at Waterlooville to clamp down on those who have illegally altered their bikes.
Between 8.45am and 11am 48 riders were stopped by police.
l Of the 48 riders stopped, 21 had their mopeds checked on the dynamometer
l 20 riders were given cautions for their speed
l Two riders had their mopeds seized under section 165 of the Road Traffic Act after they were found to have no valid driving licence
l Two riders were issued with fixed penalty notices (£60 fine and three penalty points) for riding otherwise in accordance with a driving licence
l Two riders were reported for having no vehicle excise licence
l Five riders were given seven days to produce documents to police
PC Gear said: "A lot of young riders - under 17 years old - don't realise that altering their mopeds to make them more powerful is not only illegal but extremely dangerous.
"Modifying could mean the rider is breaching driver licence conditions and makes their insurance policy void.
"This could have serious consequences if that person is involved in a crash.
"I would also urge those premises carrying out derestrictions to mopeds belonging to those under 17 to stop.
"If you knowingly carry out a derestriction to a moped belonging to someone of this age you are assisting them in committing offences."
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CommentPosted by: Tom c, ? on 11:43am Thu 8 May 08
what a load of **** its alot safer to have u bike doing 50 then 30 with traffic bearing down on you esspicialy when you are on a dual carrage way as long as you keep to speed limits in villages whats the problem havent the police got better things to do wankers!
what a load of **** its alot safer to have u bike doing 50 then 30 with traffic bearing down on you esspicialy when you are on a dual carrage way as long as you keep to speed limits in villages whats the problem havent the police got better things to do wankers!
Posted by: jackkkkkkk, ??????????????? on 11:58am Thu 8 May 08
coz tha gaverz got nothin betta to do then to **** ppl on pedz off
twats
coz tha gaverz got nothin betta to do then to **** ppl on pedz off
twats
Posted by: tha guvna, hairy hole on 12:04pm Thu 8 May 08
fite tha power dawgs
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