COMMUNITY concerns have prompted a crackdown on the use of e-scooters on public roads across Evesham.
Officers from Evesham Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) want to remind people e-scooters are illegal on the public highway.
The move – in partnership with Wychavon District Council – follows on from community concerns where e-scooters have been used on the streets.
Though you can lawfully buy an e-scooter, they are currently illegal to use on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes and pedestrian-only areas.
E-scooters can only be ridden on private land with the permission of the landowner.
Evesham SNT has begun handing out 500 educational leaflets which have been designed and printed by Wychavon District Council. The leaflets contain advice about the laws surrounding the use of powered transporters.
They have been printed up in English, Albanian, Bulgarian, and Polish so different members of the community can understand them.
Officers will be attending special assemblies at town schools as well as writing to head teachers about the laws.
Sergeant Duncan Eades of Evesham SNT 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.
“Those caught using could get a £300 fine and six penalty points for driving with no insurance, a £100 fine and three penalty points for driving with no licence or be charged with drink driving, using a mobile phone while driving and failing to stop at a red light too.”
Coun Rob Adams, executive board member for Stronger Communities, Culture and Sport on Wychavon District Council, said:
“There is a lot of concern about the anti-social use of e-scooters on public roads and pavements.
“So we’re delighted to be able to support the Evesham Safer Neighbourhood Team to help educate the public about the laws around their use and provide people with the opportunity to use them legally and safely.”
Members of the public are reminded anyone found using them in public areas risks having the e-scooter seized.
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.
