In this document the term “driver” can also be taken to mean “rider” equally “drive” can be taken to mean “ride”.
While quad bikes, three-wheeled bikes, trail bikes and some other two-wheeled vehicles are built for off-road use, it is against the law to ride them in public parks
or on publicly owned land without permission from the local authority.
However it is legal to drive unregistered, uninsured etc off road vehicles on private land with the land-owner’s permission but there is an exception to these rules.
Where private land is also public access land (a public space) then it is unawful to drive without permission, without a licence, and without insurance on that land.
For example:
A supermarket car park isn’t public land. It is private land owned by the supermarket but the public have access to the car park so it is a public place.
In other words, don’t drive on Tesco car park the morning after you’ve been drinking – you would still be guilty of drinking and driving.
Basically, the requirements of running a vehicle on the road apply to public places.
Bizarrely a car park attached to a pub is a public place when the pub is open but not when it is closed.
Luddington village playing field is a privately owned public place which means that the above laws apply and what the law calls mechanically propelled vehicles
(anything with an engine or a motor) cannot be used without a licence or insurance. The catch-22 being that a child is unlikely to get a licence or insurance.
What are the implications?
The drivers could be prosecuted and would get a fine and penalty points and that includes any driver over 10 years old.
Where a chid is involved supervising adults could be prosecuted for permitting the use which has the same penalty.
Vehicles could be confiscated and probably crushed.
This information has been verified by a solicitor that specialises in driving and vehicle law.
In the worst case of all; in the event of an accident involving a third party then there could be a civil suit with serious financial consequences
for those involved including the individual Parish Council members if prior permission had been granted but no driver 3rd party insurance is present.
The Council's public liability insurance does not cover such a situation.
To reiterate:
Where private land is public access land (a public space) then it is not lawful to drive without permission, uninsured and without a licence on that land.
Luddington and Haldenby Parish Council is the nominal landowner, on behalf of the community, of the Luddington playing field.