Wiltshire police are warning parents to make sure their children do not ride motorised scooters on public roads or footpaths, because it is illegal.

Many youngsters have received motorised scooters or go-peds for Christmas but police fear many people do not realise they cannot be used on the public highway.

Despite publicity over the last two years, the police are still receiving inquiries from parents and, in some cases, grandparents, as well as children themselves, because they are unsure about the law. The scooters, which can reach speeds of up to 25mph, can only legally be used on private property.

PC Barney Appleton of Wiltshire police said: "The scooters are very popular with children but they are in effect toys that were never designed or intended to be used on the public highway."

Police said there had been a number of convictions in Wiltshire arising from their use on roads.