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The Victorian premier has said he will give police the power to impound and crush “dangerous” miniature motorbikes, known as monkey bikes.
“We’re not going to stand by and watch another person hurt on our roads by these dangerous bikes,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.
“We’re protecting road users and pedestrians.
“Now, Victoria Police will have the power to crack down on riders who are caught doing the wrong thing.”
The premier said the Road Legislation Further Amendment Bill would be introduced into the Victorian Parliament this week and would give the Victoria Police greater powers to seize and impound monkey bikes used on the state’s roads.
The offender or owner will be required to appear in court where they can receive a fine of up to $3109 and the monkey bike may be crushed.
If police find a monkey bike without a rider, the bike will be impounded and crushed after three months.
Riders who are found not to have a valid motorcycle licence will be charged with unlicensed driving.
Currently, Victoria Police only have the power to issue fines to offenders for riding an unregistered vehicle, which may extend to a fine for speeding or reckless driving in some cases.
Monkey bikes have already cost two Victorian lives in the past 18 months, including a mother of two who was struck by a monkey bike in a Carrum Downs shopping centre car park last year.
Monkey bikes will remain legal for use on private property, such as a gated farm.
Some other types of miniature motorcycles that meet standards will remain legal under the new definition of a “miniaturised motorcycle” in road safety laws, Roads and Roads Safety Minister for Luke Donnellan said.
“Monkey bikes are unsafe – and if you’re riding one in public, you’re breaking the law,” the minister said.
“Police won’t be granting second chances when it comes to keeping these bikes off our streets, and keeping people safe.”