THE latest craze with mini motorbikes has prompted police to warn anyone who rides them around public parks and footpaths in Redditch is actually breaking the law.

Advice on where the 30cc bikes can be used has been issued following a number of calls from residents.

Sgt Neil Billingham, of Redditch police, said: "These new mini motorbikes are tremendous fun but we want to ensure people are riding them legally and safely and without causing nuisance to others.

"Many people don't realise that although most of these bikes only have 30cc engines, they are still classed as motor vehicles and as such, have the same legal requirements as regular mopeds and motorbikes.

"This means that anyone riding a mini motorbike on the road would need insurance and must have a provisional driving licence and L plates or a full licence.

"They would also need to wear a helmet."

Sgt Billingham said the bikes could not be used on local authority land, including parks, footpaths and grass verges.

He added: "We would encourage retailers selling these mini motorbikes to ensure people buying them are aware of these restrictions and legal requirements.

"Evidently these restrictions would not apply if using the bikes on private land but of course you would need the permission of the landowner first.

"Anyone not using their mini motorbike legally would be committing an offence under the Road Traffic Act and should be aware that the police have the power to seize a bike if it is causing alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public."