The plan is currently being deliberated by other agencies that are worn out by bikers who are breaking the law. On a regular basis, teenagers and young adults living within housing estates who ride scooters inside of the estate are under the impression that they do not have to follow the law or that because they remain inside of the estate they are safe and have no need for the hassle or extra cost of insurance.
Sergeant Nigel Nevard of Kent Police noted: “We have spoken to a number of riders coming into North Kent. We are sending them a clear message that we will not tolerate their behavior and will seize their bikes when we catch them.”
Statistics from the Department of Transport have indicated that 6.5% of motorcycle owners failed to pay tax and insurance for 2007.
This lack of coverage was even higher than 9.8% – for so-called “active stock.” These are bikes which are not used on roads but which are liable for tax under the rules. Active stock includes those bikes used mainly for display or shows, but which are brought out on the road when they are ridden to their destination. No other group of road users has a higher rate of non-coverage, a major failing that endangers other road users.
Legally, each and every person who own or operates a motor vehicle must have no less than third-party coverage; therefore anyone who shuns insurance is committing a criminal act. Quite a few parents are now purchasing miniature motorbikes, quad bikes and scooters for their kids. These items are available sometimes for the very low price of ?150. For the most part, these bikes posses a lot of power and can very easily to go up to 40 mph and in some cases as much as 60 mph.
ROSPA has noted that the estimated ten-fold increase in sales of such bikes since 2002 “which are invitingly low-cost and can be bought online” has only exacerbated the problem.
The arrival of these inexpensive machines with inferior value and not enough attention being paid to adequate safety measures on the part of the merchants has only made the issue that much worse. “The message is clear; if it can be used on the road then it is at risk from other road users and should be insured.” If you don’t get the proper insurance then you are placing yourself endanger of not only losing your bike, but you are also increasing the chances that you acquire a record of criminal activity in the process.
Susan Reynolds is a content coordinator for a leading South African Insurance Provider that specialises in Motorcycle Insurance Policies.
Tags: Bike Insurance, Finance, Insurance, Motorcycle Insurance