E-scooters should carry number plates, says police commissioner

The man in charge of overseeing Dorset Police has called for e-scooters to be fitted with number plates.

David Sidwick, Dorset's police and crime commissioner, said: "I think legislation should keep up with e-scooters, this issue for me is one of identification.

"I know, for example, e-scooter pilots have registration numbers in London, I think that's the way to go.

"E-scooters could be a transformative mode of transport, but at this moment in time we’re not using them in a safe manner."

Dorset Police held a crackdown in Bournemouth on Friday to ensure that e-scooters are being used legally and safely.

Ten riders of privately owned e-scooters were stopped and spoken to before being issued with first warnings

Privately owned e-scooters are illegal to use in public spaces, including roads, pavements, cycle lanes and beach promenades.

Trial e-scooter rental schemes are taking place around the UK, including Bournemouth and Poole, which allows people to hire an e-scooter and use it on roads and cycle lanes.

Sergeant Rhys Griffiths from Dorset Police, said: "We’ve seen complaints about e-scooters increase across our communities.

"Many concern the illegal use of privately owned e-scooters, as well as those being used improperly as part of the hire scheme."

“Riders could face a fine, penalty points on their licence or even disqualification from driving, as well as having their e-scooters seized and destroyed."