PARENTS were advised by police yesterday to check the law if they plan to buy their children mini-motos or motorised scooters for Christmas.

It is expected that a number of such toys will be given to children across the region, especially in rural areas where they might be used on farm fields.

Acting Sergeant Brendan Coll, who is based in Barnard Castle, County Durham, said they are classed as motor vehicles and, as such, require driving documents, insurance and road tax. They also need an MoT if they are more than three years old.

"It does not make any difference if the vehicle is petrol-driven or battery operated," he said. "They are classed as motor vehicles and are subject to road traffic legislation."

Anyone driving them on a public road, including a grass verge, without the right documents, could be prosecuted and then fined and banned from driving.

It is an offence to drive a motorised scooter or mini-moto on a public footpath, and by-laws prevent them being ridden in most parks and on common land. If used on private land, they need the landowner's consent.

Sgt Coll said: "Under recently introduced legislation to prevent nuisances, the motorised scooters can, in some cases, be seized by the police, and a fee charged for their release.

"I have seen mini-motos on sale for as little as £150, and some are capable of over 40mph. I would ask parents to consider the law and safety issues before buying them. These items are not toys."