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In the run-up to Christmas, Merseyside Police is targeting the illegal use of electric scooters and urging parents and guardians to think seriously before buying them as presents.
Recently, the force has seen an increase in e-scooters being ridden illegally across Merseyside. As Christmas approaches, Merseyside Police is encouraging anyone considering purchasing a scooter as a gift to seriously consider the risks.
The United Kingdom remains the only European country where e-scooters are illegal to use outside of private land. If found to be riding one in public, individuals can face having their scooters seized, a fine, or even points on their driving licence.
In addition to this, e-scooters can pose a danger to other members of the public, and Merseyside Police has seen increased reports of them being ridden antisocially including on pavements, in crowded places, and even in the dark.
Chief Inspector Tony Jones said: “We understand e-scooters may appeal to many people for various reasons, whether it’s to travel to work, to purchase as a gift for someone or to enjoy as a fun activity, but we must stress the fact that to use them in public is illegal and can present a safety risk to yourself and others.
“Recently, we have seen a rise in incidents involving electric scooters, including a minor injury collision with a car and I want to make it clear that these scooters are not toys, and have the potential to cause serious injury or even worse.
“I want to stress that Merseyside Police will take action if you are found to be using electric scooters illegally. The anti-social and criminal use of them in our town centres and on our roads is reckless and can be incredibly dangerous, posing a significant risk to members of the public as well as the rider.
“We will continue to work to crack down on the illegal use of electric scooters as the festive period approaches, and would encourage anyone who has information on them to please get in touch with us.”
On 12 July 2019, the first UK fatality involving an e-scooter occurred. A 35-year-old YouTube personality, Emily Hartridge, was killed in Battersea, London in a collision on a roundabout with a truck. London’s cycling commissioner said at the time that “new regulations must be put forward quickly” as e-scooters are “currently not safe – with no restrictions on speeds, no mandatory brakes and lights, and no rules on who can ride them and where”.
If you have information on the criminal or anti-social use of electric scooters on Merseyside, please contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111. More information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/powered-transporters/information-sheet-guidance-on-powered-transporters.