Mini-motorbikes are a menace in Lambeth and should be banned, according to London Assembly member for Lambeth Valerie Shawcross.

The bikes are largely marketed at young children and teenagers, who ride them at fast speeds in public parks and streets, causing a nuisance to the public.

The Respect Task Force, set up by the Home Office, published guidelines in January this year saying that reckless drivers of mini-motos could face an instant driving ban, a fine or have their vehicle crushed.

This comes after police received thousands of complaints about them nationwide over the last year.

The main problem is that riders are not sticking to regulations, driving them on pavements, parks and public highways, which is illegal.

Despite being marketed as toys, the bikes can reach speeds of 60mph.

With the recent influx of cheap Chinese imports, which cost as little as £100, rather than the original price of £1,000, they are now more accessible than ever.

Sales of Chinese versions have risen in the UK from 7,000 in 2001 to 144,000 in 2005, according to Revenue and Customs.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has blamed the vehicles for seven deaths already.

Valerie Shawcross said: "These bikes are causing havoc and the problem is getting worse.

"I'm receiving an increasing number of complaints from local people about these bikes being ridden in an antisocial manner - often by young children.

"Parents need to be discouraged from buying their children mini-motos - they could be literally spoiling their children to death."

Peter Stanger, store owner of Star Motorbikes in West Norwood, said: "There is nowhere in the area for young people to ride these bikes safely - their only option is to ride on the street.

"If a track was set up for riders, and people were trained on how to use them safely, I don't think there would be anything wrong with them."