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26
Oct
Police chief issues warning over illegal e-scooter use
The chief constable of North Yorkshire Police has warned people riding e-scooters in public places that officers will take action if they are caught.
Jo Coles, deputy mayor for policing in York and North Yorkshire, raised the issue at a public accountability meeting on Thursday amid a number of emails from the public to her office.
Ms Coles said people were concerned over the “illegal and anti-social” use of privately owned e-scooters and the impact on those who are partially sighted and blind.
Government guidance currently states that e-scooters must not be used on the pavement and are illegal in public places as it is not possible to insure them.
Tim Forber, chief constable at North Yorkshire Police, said
Firstly, if people are using these scooters around people who are partially sighted that’s completely abhorrent and shows a complete lack of respect. We are committed to doing something about that.
Mr Forber added that police officers have been given training on the law of e-scooters and warned people using them on public land is illegal.
He said:
If we see people riding these scooters, we will deal with them. The simple fact of the matter is these are a motor vehicle. This is not a scooter that you give your 10-year-old child for a birthday present.
They are a motor vehicle. You need a driving licence to lawfully use one and no insurance company will insure them. In short, if you have got one and you ride it on the road or a footpath, you commit an offence.
Ms Coles added that it was important for people who have been a victim of anti-social behaviour to report the incidents to police.
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