BORDON parents would like to see a designated area where their youngsters can ride their "mini moped" motorbikes safely and legally.

The bikes, which are miniature replicas of adult motorcycles, are proving very popular among youngsters but it is illegal to use them on the road or in public areas. This includes pavements, footpaths and any area to which the public has unrestricted access.

They have become something of a nuisance in Bordon and its neighbouring villages in recent months and both the MOD police and Whitehill Police have constantly had to highlight the dangers of riding them on the road.

The bikes are driven by either petrol engines or electric motors and are capable of speeds up to and over 30 miles per hour.

Although these bikes are sold as toys, they are covered by the legislation for motorcycles and mopeds and if used on a road, they would have to be road legal, and have appropriate lights, suspension, brakes and tyres. The rider would also have to be the holder of an appropriate driving licence and wear a crash helmet and have appropriate insurance.

At the moment, the only place where these machines can be used legally and safely is on private land with the permission of the landowner.

Sergeant Dickinson from Whitehill Police said: "The kind of thing these parents are after normally only happens at private enterprises where they hold motocross days.

"While it might be a good thing to have designated areas, aside from the costly insurance problems for the town council and the fact the area would need to be supervised, it might also create new problems when the not-so-affluent people who cannot afford these bikes start stealing them. It's a fine balancing act."

One parent said: "I have three teenage sons who all have these mini motorbikes and I'd far rather they were riding them than hanging around in the streets but when they ride them on MOD land they get booted off and when they ride them in the woods, the police chase them.

"I know other parents who feel the same. Ideally we'd like the police, MOD police and someone like a farmer to get together and agree to let them ride in a designated area. We could sign disclaimers to say it is no one's responsibility except the parents. As far as I can see, it is a waste of police time for them to be chasing them.

"If a farmer was willing to let them use one of his fields, I'm sure they'd be happy to pay a small fee. It's a way of entertaining teenagers because there's nowhere else around here for them to go.

"As a parent I feel that at least it's something that they are interested in. Boys spend hours cleaning and repairing them and while they are doing that they aren't causing problems in the Forest Centre. It means they are not vandalising the shops or fences or being a menace to anyone. Anything that draws youngsters away from the town centre has got to be a good thing."

Another parent agreed: "It would be really good to have an area set aside where the kids can go and ride them safely and where they don't get thrown off by landowners or the police.

"As long as parents know where their kids are and take responsibility if they fall off or don't wear helmets, then I'm all for it. I don't personally like these motorbikes but as long as they are off the roads or anywhere else where they could injure people, then I'd be happy."

A letter has been written to Whitehill Town Council putting forward the suggestion that an area is specially set aside for these "mini moped" motorbikes. It is likely to be put on the agenda for discussion at the next planning and amenities meeting at the Forest Community Centre on Monday, June 13, at 7- 30 pm, to which all members of the public are welcome.