An au pair living on Hayling Island is either going to have to give up her wheels or pass a driving test and get a woman car insurance deal.
Petronela Glogovicean, 20, is from Romania and has been living with the Johnson family on the island for a short time.
Unable to drive a car but wanting to get around, she recently found an alternative form of transport that suited her perfectly. It was an 18 inch, battery-powered child's toy quad bike with a top speed of 8mph, identical to the one used by her 5-year-old charge.
It served her well until recently, when the police got involved.
Petronela had been riding the bike on the pavement as she nipped into town with Mr Johnson and his son to get some crisps when a policeman stopped her.
He told Mr Johnson that if Ms Glogovicean wants to continue to ride the little bike, it will need to pass an MOT and get number plates. She will also need to get a motor insurance policy, although this wouldn't be too expensive since she qualifies for woman's car insurance rates.
He added that she would also need a driving licence, which the unfortunate Petronela does not possess.
Mr Johnson said: "I was absolutely horrified when the policeman turned up. I think it's a means of transport that's environmentally friendly and I can't see any harm at all in using them."
However, a police spokeswoman advised: "People need to check with the manufacturer about whether or not they can ride one of these vehicles without insurance or MOT. They can also check with the DVLA."