No-go for Go-Ped madness in Christchurch

In October 2008, a 20-year-old man rampaged through Christchurch town centre on a petrol powered Go-Ped, colliding with a police officer and forcing shoppers to jump to safety. As a result he was fined £275 and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Following this incident, police officers in Christchurch ran a series of educational sessions at Twynham School informing pupils about the consequences of using motorised scooters in an anti-social manner. The Go-Ped, which was confiscated following the incident, was used as a visual aid in the classroom sessions

Safer Neighbourhood Officer, PC Dave Williams, who helped organise the sessions said: “Motorised scooters can be fun and exhilarating, just like another other outdoor activity, but we just want them to be used in a responsible way.

“When used in an anti-social manner, scooters can be noisy, dangerous and a nuisance to residents.

“Many young people are not aware of the law in relation to a mechanically propelled vehicle; the requirement for insurance and how a driving licence is needed if used on a highway.

”The feedback from the youngsters has been very encouraging. They are now fully aware of the possible consequences of using this type of vehicle in an anti-social manner.”