MPs in bid for 'danger bike' database
1:59pm Tuesday 20th February 2007 in North West By Edward Chadwick
THE tragedy of a teenager who died when he rode a mini-motorbike in to the path of a car is being highlighted by an MP who is trying to ban the machines.
Jack Turner, aged 14, of Warrington, was at a family party in Leigh when he climbed onto the bike and was hit by a car as he rounded a corner.
MP for Blackley, Graham Stringer, has launched a bid - backed by Bolton MPs - to establish a registration database for the bikes, which would allow police to identify owners and monitor their use.
Mr Stringer said Jack's death and 12 fatalities last year highlighted the need for greater controls on the use of illegal bikes.
His Private Member's Bill will be read at the House of Commons next week and would mean the bikes would have to be registered with the DVLA at sale and carry number plates. The proposals are being backed through Parliament by Bolton MPs Brian Iddon and David Crausby.
Dr Iddon, the MP for Bolton South East, said: "These bikes are an absolute nuisance to the general public before you even begin to consider the dangers. There is no way they can be ridden legally in public and the police need more powers to be able to properly act."
In Dr Iddon's constituency, 18-year-old John Sheehy died when the mini-motorbike he was riding smashed into 4ft-high barriers in October 2005.
Mr Crausby added: "They've been a great problem in my constituency.
"In the hands of the irresponsible or the young, they can be very dangerous.
"The police are doing what they can, but if these bikes were registered, it would be a lot easier for them to establish where the problem was coming from."
