A man riding a mini bike through Penhill MINI moto racers are causing mayhem in Penhill. With the onset of warmer weather, fans of the mini bikes have started using the estate as a racetrack.

It is illegal to ride the bikes on the public highway, and local councillors and police fear there could be a serious accident.

The miniature petrol powered bikes can reach speeds of 30mph, but are designed to be used on racing tracks and private land only.

Coun David Glaholm (Lab, Penhill) said: "There is a real danger here because the bikes are so low down they are hard to spot.

"It's especially dangerous when the riders are overtaking parked cars.

"They also make a loud noise which is a real nuisance, and the other day I saw four of them being raced in a line along the road.

"I know the police have spoken to the riders, but they seem to be ignoring the advice.

"I class it as anti-social behaviour."

PC David Lockwood, of Swindon traffic police, warned racers they face being dragged before the courts.

"They cannot be driven on the road because they are not insured or taxed and are not registered with the DVLA," he said.

"Most riders use them without a helmet too.

"They are not designed for the road, and should only be used on private property.

"Why race them around Penhill when you have a purposed built mini moto race track at Hullaving-ton?"

In November, the Adver reported how the mini bikes were causing problems in Cricklade.

Last year, police launched a zero-tolerance crackdown on riders using stand-up electric scooters on Swindon's roads.

Like mini motors, they can only be used on private land.

During the clampdown, police stopped father-of-four Wayne Webb, who had brought scooters for his three sons.

He also used one to get to work.

The family later backed the police campaign and warned families to check the law before buying bikes.

Tamash Lal