Seized e-scooters 'unlikely to be returned' say Wiltshire Police

We're being warned by Wiltshire Police that if we're caught using an e-scooter, then it's unlikely to ever come back to us if it's seized.

E-Scooters are considered motor vehicles and, as such, require the relevant driving licence and insurance, similar to those for a car or motorbike, none of which are available currently.

Acting Inspector Will Ayres told Greatest Hits Radio that riders can also be prosecuted.

"We do have a a warning system in place as well for certain situations where a warning notice can be issued.

"However, if they are issued a warning notice, they're caught again or there are other aggravating factors, then we may well go straight to prosecution and seizing of the vehicles," Inspector Ayres added.

And this could mean points, even for children who don't have a full licence yet.

"Things like no insurance and driving without driving license do attract points even on the ghost license.

"And equally the parents, if they've purchased it and the technical owner, they could also be prosecuted for permitting its use on a road."

Wiltshire Police targeted the teenage population before Christmas with a campaign to advise young people about E-Scooters as it's predominantly young people using them.

"We do see a number of adults using them as a bit of green way of transport to get to work," Inspector Ayres said.

And with some models doing 30-40mph, and almost silent on approach, there's major concerns over an increased number of collisions between pedestrians and e-scooters.

Inspector Ayres told us: "Unless you've got somewhere completely private with the land owners permission, then unfortunately in the current climate they are not legal on the road or public places at all."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.