Can any one help

[Primular]

My 16yr old son drove his mates 50cc scooter to the end on the road and back but was followed by the police. They asked if he was insured for the bike. He told them he was not but showed them his scooter that his mate was stood by. The police called for a low loader that towed the bike away and they informed the boys that they would have to pay a fine to retrieved the scooter. My son was not asked to produce his license but was told a letter would be in the post. While my son has taken full responsibilty for his actions (he has admitted he was stupid and he has paid the �220 fine for his mate to get his scooter back), what we dont understand is to why they took his mates scooter away or why they did not aske for my sons license. For all the police knew my son could of given a false name and address. Friends of ours have said that the police have a deal with the tow company. Could this be right?

[Twenty20]

No, the police have the power to seize any uninsured vehicle being driven on the road. I guess youre lucky that the scooter wasn't crushed.

[Primular]

The scooter was insured for my sons mate, my son is insured for his scooter. The lads were fixing an exhaust on the bike and my son was stupid to test it up the road. I dont see why they would tow his mates bike away if was all insured. Surely produce of documents would of been enough.

[buildersmate]

Because the scooter was being driven by your son who was not insured to do so - according to the third sentence in your posting. If under the policy your son has for his own scooter he is insured to drive someone else's scooter with their permission, they should tell the police this.

[Primular]

Thank you for your prompt reply. That sort of clears up why they took his mates bike away. Seems rather harsh to me seeing as both the bikes are insured, could they have not just fined and given the points to my son. Also why would they not ask for his license. It seems they did not ask for to see either lads at the time. Both the lads were honest with the police, first offence for my son, he realises he was niave in the fact he did not think about being insured for his mates bike. As they only took my sons word that he is who he said he was, his mate seems to have been punished for my sons silly mistake.

[almcd007]

Because theoretically your son could have got straight back on the scooter after being given a warning or ticket and committed the offence again - this time hurting someone or damaging someones property whether it be a car or other. The police in the past have given tickets and someone has gone on to do exactly what I have explained this is why they are now able to seize the vehicle. They would have done radio checks on the scooters and seen from the check that they were insured and registered to who they said they were. But it's up to them to make sure it's insured for them to ride. Accidents happen and no-one knows when one will occur, whether it's on a long trip or just up the road and back.

Along with riding one of these scooters goes a great deal of responsibility - something alot of people seem to forget - I'm not saying your son hasn't but a lot of these riders you see on these scooters have no road sense at all and treat them like motorized pedal bikes. If you're not insured - you shouldn't get on - it should be the first thing on your mind not the last.