IT'S the latest motoring craze that is sweeping the nation - but it is driving North Yorkshire Police up the wall.

With Christmas shopping at the forefront of parents' minds, officers across the county are warning against splashing out on mini-motorbikes for festive gifts.

Fearing a spate of wannabe Valentino Rossis demanding "mini-motos" from Santa, police have pledged to clamp down on the wheeled menaces - even if that means ruining Christmas for youngsters.

PC Wayne Leach, community safety officer in Selby, said: "We are concerned that many people will be considering putting go-peds, mini-motos and motorised scooters on their Christmas shopping list without knowing the legal requirements for their use.

"We won't hesitate to take tough action if they are misused. The most likely outcome of buying a mini-moto for a present will be kids ending up in tears, and parents ending up in legal trouble - and of course, Christmas will be ruined."

Meanwhile Ryedale's community safety officer, PC Terry Triffitt, warned parents to simply stay clear of the diminutive bikes.

He said: "If youngsters do insist on getting one, remember that they are only ever for off-road use, on private land, and it's in the rider's best interest to wear a crash helmet and protective gear, and be supervised at all times.

"Mini-motos are powerful machines, and in the wrong hands they could cause serious injury - or worse."

Sergeant Ian Illingworth, of York's community policing team, said: "Frankly, I'm mystified as to why anyone would want to spend hundreds of pounds on something that can be legally used almost nowhere.

"A mini-moto is such a waste of money - give them something they won't get in trouble for using, something that won't get them killed or maimed. As a parent, I would never, ever consider giving my child one of those things."

In a landmark case in 1999, a dad who went on a drunken joyride around York on his five-year-old son's mini-motorbike was branded "a right fool" by the city's magistrates.

Jodie Linsdell, of Tang Hall, was banned from driving any kind of motor vehicle for 12 months, in what is believed to have been the first case of its kind in the country.

Since then, police in York have investigated reports of the machines being ridden illegally in Acomb, particularly around Hob Moor and Beckfield Lane, Tang Hall and South Bank.

Earlier this year, the Evening Press reported that Ryedale police chiefs had criticised a Malton mobile phone firm for offering a free machine with a phone.

Keeping it legal...

Mini-motos are technically considered to be motor vehicles, and therefore subject to many of the provisions of the Road Traffic Act 1988 when taken on to public roads.

That means:

They require at least third-party insurance cover

Protective headgear must be worn at all times

The rider must hold an appropriate driving licence and display L-plates if necessary.

Anyone not complying with these requirements would be committing an offence. That applies not only to the user, but also to the person giving permission or causing the use of such vehicles - so parents beware.

The implications of ignoring the legislation include confiscation of the vehicle, fixed penalty notices, points on your driving licence and even arrest and a criminal record.

Updated: 10:06 Saturday, October 22, 2005