Police are planning to crack down on the dangerous and illegal use of e-scooters in York.
Neighbourhood policing teams are getting extra training to protect members of the public from illegal e-scooters and bikes.
Police believe that the vast majority of privately-owned e-scooters are not being driven legally, with most not having insurance.
North Yorkshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Philip Allott says he has received numerous complaints from communities about the impact illegally driven vehicles are having where they live.
Using the rented Tier e-scooters in York is legal – if riders abide by the rules – but it is illegal to ride private e-scooters on the city’s public roads and footpaths.
And the commissioner says there are reports of people using both the Tier and private scooters while drunk or on drugs.
Carrying passengers
Mr Allott discussed the impact of electric scooters in York on a visit to Tier in the city.
He said: “I know that many people will have bought e-scooters in good faith from reputable shops but with little guidance about how they should be used.
“My message is that the law is clear – it is illegal to use privately owned electric or petrol scooters on public roads and footpaths if they are not part of the City Council’s approved scheme.
“It is also clear that a small minority, whether using licensed scooters or not, are using them under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or carrying passengers.”
Tier has a hotline for people to report those suspected to be abusing their vehicles. “Everyone riding one needs to know that all road traffic laws – from speeding to using mobile phones to careless driving – apply to all e-scooters too,” said Mr Allott.
“North Yorkshire Police is also investing in training for neighbourhood policing teams to ensure they can protect members of the public from illegal e-scooters and other self-propelled two-wheel devices.
[tptn_list limit=3 daily=1 hour_range=1]
“Tackling these issues is a priority for many communities across York, and it is one of my priorities too.”
The commissioner is funding an awareness campaign so more people are aware of the e-scooter laws.
Sergeant Mark Patterson, from North Yorkshire Police, said: “Whilst there are many benefits to using e-scooters, it is important that they are used safely and within the law. They are classed as motor vehicles so require a driving licence and insurance to be used on the public roads.
“This also means that the rules covering drink/drug driving, traffic lights and signs must also be followed in the same way as if you were driving a car.
“If you are stopped by the police riding an uninsured e-scooter you could receive six points on your driving licence, a £300 fine and the scooter would be seized from you.
“If you are caught drink or drug driving, then you could be disqualified from driving for at least 12 months. The rules apply to children as well as adults, so please think carefully before purchasing one for your child.”
Anyone with concerns about privately-owned e-scooters can contact North Yorkshire Police by calling 101 while anyone with concerns about the TIER vehicles can contact their helpline on 0808 164 9486