Scooters And One Wheels

Dorset Police Chiefs warn in opposition to crackdown on e-scooters for “improper use”

E-scooters could be confiscated and their drivers reported for traffic offenses if used illegally, Dorset Police Chiefs warned.

Complaints in the county about electric scooters – two-wheeled scooters powered by a motor – have seen police put up patrols. On one day last week, 18 drivers were stopped by Dorset officials alone.

Amid misunderstandings about the rules, the troop issued a public warning that under current law the only place where you can legally drive a private e-scooter is on private land with permission.

Police take action against the illegal use of e-scooters

The popularity of e-scooters has increased a lot recently. However, privately owned driving on public land is prohibited, including streets, sidewalks, bike paths, and parks.

As part of an ongoing government process, only rented e-scooters are legal on public land, such as those under the Beryl program in Bournemouth and Poole, but not in Christchurch.

Private e-scooters are not part of the process, and Dorset Police Sgt Rhys Griffiths said illegal use has become “a real problem”.

Cllr Mike Greene, Cabinet Member of the BCP Council for Transport and Sustainability, added: “Our e-scooter rental test with Beryl ensured that appropriate safety measures were in place on the e-scooters from the start.

“This includes a limited top speed and GPS tracking so that the speeds of the e-scooters in ‘slow go’ zones such as the beach promenade are automatically reduced to 5 km / h during the current summer restrictions.

“Private e-scooters are without these safety precautions, so we fully support the enforcement measures of the police against their illegal use in the region.”

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