File:Day 318 - Seized Quad Bikes in Solihull (8187583091).jpg

A 19-year-old man has been banned from driving for a year after pleading guilty to dangerous driving at Solihull Magistrates Court for dangerous use of a quad bike.

The man, who had already had his quad bike seized and crushed, was also fined £100 and ordered to attend a 21 day driving course at the hearing on 7 November.

The Chelmsley Wood man was arrested by officers on Tuesday 31 July after he was spotted riding a quad bike along a pavement near to Babbs Mill Park in Chelmsley Wood.

Despite being advised to stop by officers who were concerned by the risk he was posing to himself and other members of the public nearby, the man attempted to evade capture by speeding off into the nearby park.

PC Tom Jones said: "The disregard for the safety of other road users shown as he drove down the pavement and swerved across the road to avoid capture justifies the ban imposed on this man."

Thanks to PC Jones' local knowledge of the area he was able to locate the man in the park, where he was arrested a short time later.

PC Jones added: "Babbs Mill Park is there for the enjoyment of the whole community and we are determined to keep it this way. The enjoyment and safety of people using these areas should not be affected by a small minority of people causing issues

"The use of illegal off-road bikes is regularly raised as a public concern and while the use of illegal bikes may seem like fun to a small minority for the majority of the community it causes concern."

Members of the public are reminded that if vehicles are being driven on the road then the driver will need to have insurance, registration with the DVLA, registration plates, a tax disc, brakes and lights.

Mini-motorbikes and off-road bikes which are not approved for road use can only legally be driven on private land with the permission of the landowner.

Owners who do not realise this will be using them unlawfully on common land and public roads. If this is the case a successful prosecution can result in a fine, endorsement of the rider's licence or for more serious offences, disqualification or even a custodial sentence.

PC Jones added: "Over the coming months we are equally keen to hear from members of the public who know where illegal off-road bikes are being stored in our community.

"We are working closely with the council who are equally committed to reducing the use of these bikes. Even their storage could breach tenancy agreements so we are keen to remind owners of the array of consequences they could face if they engage in this kind of anti social behaviour."