WILTSHIRE police are seriously concerned about the number of mini motorbikes being used on the roads unlawfully.

They are worried that members of the public may not be aware that these vehicles cannot be used on footpaths and, if driven on a highway, road traffic offences will be committed if all the legal requirements are not met.

Police press spokesman David Taylor said: "The High Court has deemed that, if such a vehicle is used on a road, it is classed as a mechanically propelled vehicle under section 185 of the Road traffic Act.

"Therefore, before it can be used on a road, a mini motorbike must be registered with the DVLA, and both the vehicle and rider must comply with all the regulations set out for motorbikes.

"This means that the rider must be 16 or over, wear a crash helmet and must hold a relevant driving licence. If it is a provisional licence, L-plates must be displayed and they must have taken their compulsory basic training."

Police say they are concerned that retailers may not be making buyers of mini motorbikes aware of the law.

A number of people have already been caught for such offences.