pic: DS_karting_by_Matt-Ryall_Flickrsubbed

The director of a go-karting business has been fined over £7,000 after the hair and scarf of a 15-year-old girl became entangled in the moving parts of the go-kart she was driving in September 2008.

The girl was rescued by a passing ambulance crew who cut her free and resuscitated her on the track. But Alan Harris, director of Revolution Karting’s in Mile End was prosecuted for a disregard for health and safety regulations at Thames Magistrates Court last week.

Harris pleaded guilty to failing to suitably guard moving parts on a go-kart and failing to update a risk assesment since establishing his go-karting bussiness.

Tower Hamlets Council’s Environmental Health Commercial Team also investigated the case. Deputy Mayor, Councillor Ohid Ahmet said: “The council investigates accidents when they occur, taking all necessary actions when the required standarts have not been achieved or adhered to.

“People who come to enjoy with activities like go-karting are urged to check whether safety rules are enough or not while they are recommended to receive a safety briefing before they go for it.”

Despite the fact that the under-18-rule is not applied in the business as long as young people are accompanied with an adult, it is unknown if the girl was with one of her parents on the day.