Riding a motor vehicle - the law
There are certain legal responsibilities that motorcycle, scooter ,moped ,mini moto and go-ped owners must take. The road traffic Act requires that:

•	The owner registers the vehicle with the DVLA. Both the vehicle and the rider must meet with all regulations set out by the DVLA. This includes ensuring that vehicle is roadworthy. More details can be found at www.dvla.gov.uk
•	To ride a motorcycle (up to 125cc) the rider must be aged 17 or over, wear a crash helmet and must hold a relevant driving licence.
•	The rider of a moped (a motorcycle under 50cc) must be aged 16 or over, wear a crash helmet and must hold a relevant driving licence.
•	Provisional licence L plates (if required) must be displayed and the owner must have taken their Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).
•	If you are stopped riding or pushing a motor vehicle you may be asked to produce relevant documents. Relevant documents include a driving licence, insurance details and MOT certificate. Failure to produce these papers could mean the police take away your vehicle.

You will be breaking the law if you do not meet with road traffic legislation. If you are in any doubt contact the DVLA or your local police station.

Riding responsibly
Riding on estate pathways or playgrounds, riding bikes late in the
evening and racing bikes is antisocial behaviour. If you are caught riding
a motorcycle, scooter, moped, mini moto or a go-ped illegally or in
an antisocial way there are a number of actions the police and council
can take.

Penalty points on your licence
If you are found riding a scooter without valid insurance you can receive a penalty of eight points on your licence along with a typical fine of £600. Drivers who have not yet qualified will have these penalty points endorsed and carried over once they do qualify.

Your vehicle could be taken away
The police have powers to seize any vehicle used in a way which causes distress and annoyance to the public under section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002. The offender will be given a warning under this power if either the person or the vehicle is seen causing a nuisance again, the vehicle can be taken away. Once the vehicle has been taken away the owner must pay a fee to get it back. The fee is currently £105 plus a £12 daily storage charge (March 2007) after 21 days the vehicle may be destroyed. Offenders could then be subject to prosecution, with a fine of up to £1,000.

You or your family could lose your home
If you are a Camden council tenant and you or a family member, or someone visiting your home cause vehicle nuisance on an estate your tenancy is at risk.

You could be subject to nuisance legislation
You may be asked to sign an Acceptable Behaviour Agreement (ABA) or the council could start legal proceeding to issue an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) or injunction action.

You could be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice
The police and police community support officers (PCSOs) can issue an £80 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) when behaviour is causing a nuisance to another person.

You could be liable if you lend your bike to a friend
If you lend your bike to someone the law states that you should check that they are allowed to drive that class of vehicle. You should also check that they have a valid insurance policy which allows them to drive that class of vehicle. If you do not do this you could be prosecuted for allowing the vehicle to be used without insurance.

Protecting your scooter from theft
Scooter theft is decreasing in Camden but there are simple steps that you can take to minimise your risk of becoming a victim. You should:

•	Buy a good quality lock which has been sold Secure approved. www.soldsecure.com
•	Always chain your bike to something that can’t be moved.
•	Get an immobiliser and alarm fitted
•	Park your bike in open view
•	Buy and always use a scooter cover

For more information on securing your motor vehicle visit
www.secureyourmotor.cov.uk

Reporting nuisance
Camden Council in partnership with the police is taking action against anyone identified as having used motor vehicles in a dangerous or antisocial way.

If you’re a housing tenant with information about motor vehicle nuisance please contact your local district housing office. The housing office will investigate the report and take the appropriate action.

You can also contact your Safer Neighbourhoods Team police officer.
To find out who your Safer Neighbourhoods Team officers are visit www.camdensafe.org or call 020 7404 1212.