Clampdown on e-scooters in Maidstone
Multiple electric scooters have been seized
Thirty electric scooters have been seized as part of a police crackdown in Maidstone - with seven of those being destroyed.
Officers have been carrying out checks in the town following concerns for the safety of riders and pedestrians.
They are reminding local people it's illegal to use the vehicles on public streets, pavements or cycle lanes.
They are only permitted on private land, with the landowner’s permission, and in parts of the country where the Government has permitted trials.
Those found breaking the law have been stopped in places including Lower Stone Street, Palace Avenue, Tonbridge Road, Gabriel’s Hill and King Street.
Pedestrianised areas such as Week Street have also been targeted, where eight e-scooters have been seized.
Maidstone Chief Inspector Mark McLellan said:
"The dangerous, illegal, and inappropriate use of e-scooters can pose serious risks to the safety of older and vulnerable pedestrians, and they are also a hazard to other road users, such as cyclists and motorists.
"At the end of last year, our officers led a month-long campaign in Maidstone to raise awareness with the public about legislation surrounding the use of e-scooters.
"We are continuing to stop riders to give advice and reminders around the current legislation, and anyone who is found to have ignored previous warnings faces being fined and having their e-scooters seized and destroyed".