OFFICERS in Evesham have been carrying out community engagement to inform people of the laws around e-scooters.
Although you can lawfully purchase e-scooters, it is currently illegal to use them on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes and pedestrian-only areas. They can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.
This was the information being shared by Evesham’s Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) during patrols on Wednesday, March 6 as part of a campaign in partnership with Wychavon District Council.
The campaign is in response to concerns from community members in the district because people have been seen using the electric powered vehicles on the street.
PC Justine Lane and PC Martin Kennedy visited a local secondary school to educate both pupils and teachers about e-scooters.
Officers also gave them information leaflets on the laws which the stores will now give out to those interested in, and who purchase, e-scooters.
During the afternoon they stopped two members of the public who were riding e-scooters and spoke with another two users who were just passing on foot.
The relevant information was given to these people, and words of warning issued as to what would happen if they were to be stopped for a second time in the future.
No e-scooters were seized at this time and the users were instructed to push them for the rest of their journey. The details of those stopped with e-scooters was recorded.
Police Sergeant Duncan Eades of Evesham SNT has emphasised they want to be as fair as possible to the public, as there is some miscommunication of information and knowledge amongst the community.
Sergeant Duncan Eades said: “We are educating the community following concerns about the use of e-scooters on public roads which is illegal.
“Our aim is to remind people of the laws surrounding their use and engage with people at first before we move on to enforcement, hopefully this way everyone will have the opportunity to adjust to the rules before we must police them.”
West Mercia Police are reminding the public, anyone found using them in public areas risks having the e-scooter seized by the police.
They could also get a £300 fine and six penalty points for driving with no insurance and a £100 fine and three penalty points for driving with no licence.
More information can be found at Powered transporters – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
