Clampdown on illegal scooters in Basildon
Trial scheme sees three million journeys on legal hired e-scooters since December 2020.
Illegal e-scooter rides will be clamped down on hard in a south Essex borough as part of a combined council and police push to tackle dangerous and nuisance riders.
Basildon Council is working with Essex Police on the issue after concerns were raised by senior councillors about illegal e-scooter riders in the town centre.
A trialled use of hired e-scooters - which has been in place since December 2020 - has seen three million journeys take place.
Currently, the law states that privately owned e-scooters can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.
This does not affect the use of a hire company e-scooter being used on planned routes.
Officers will “target” illegal e-scooter riders with specific patrols to educate riders and those looking to buy the vehicles.
An Essex Police spokesman said: “We are working with partners following concerns about the antisocial use of e-scooters in Basildon town centre.
"In the upcoming weeks, we will target those who use privately owned e-scooters on the roads and footpaths as it is illegal and poses a road safety issue for other vehicles, and in particular pedestrians.
“During targeted patrols, we will be stopping e-scooter riders and taking appropriate action, which will include options to report the rider for road-related offences and seize the e-scooter.
A spokesperson for Essex County Council speaking about the hired e-scooter trial said:
"The trial e-scooters offer a sustainable and flexible alternative to cars, with the ability to ride them on roads, cycle paths and shared paths. "
“The majority of concerns are with private e-scooters, which are illegal to use on roads and public spaces.
"Private e-scooters are not required to meet the same standards or use the same technology.
"Basildon Council has been in touch with its request for a consultation and we are discussing next steps internally.”