Police warning about e-scooters amid concerns over their illegal use in Chesterfield

Derbyshire police are reminding people that their e-scooters could be seized if they are seen riding in a public place.
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In recent weeks, the Derbyshire Times has been contacted by a number of people concerned about e-scooters being used in public areas – which is against the law.

One resident said in a letter: “Living in the Saltergate area of Chesterfield, close to the town centre, I am getting increasingly concerned over the growing number of e-scooters on public pavements.

E-scooters were a popular gift last Christmas - and Derbyshire police have now issued a warning about them.E-scooters were a popular gift last Christmas - and Derbyshire police have now issued a warning about them.
E-scooters were a popular gift last Christmas - and Derbyshire police have now issued a warning about them.
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“Sheffield Road, which has a very narrow public footpath, is one particular area where e-scooters are regularly ridden.

“I also saw two very young boys both on an e-scooter riding across the central car park over Christmas.

“More and more young people are illegally riding these scooters on our public pavements.”

Another resident told the Derbyshire Times: “They (e-scooters) are dangerous and put many residents at risk using our public pavements and areas.

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“A strong stance against the illegal use is required before an accident happens.”

They questioned what authorities, including the police, were doing to tackle the problem.

A Derbyshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “Officers locally in the Chesterfield area have not seen a noticeable increase in the use and reporting of incidents involving e-scooters but has been an increase in other parts of Derbyshire and across the country as a whole.

“While e-scooters are legally available to purchase, it’s currently against the law to ride a privately owned e-scooter in any public place in the UK.

“This includes roads, pavements, parks and town centres.

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“The only place a privately owned e-scooter can be used is on private land.

“If it is used on a public road then the rider runs the risk of having their scooter seized and being prosecuted for offences like driving without a licence and insurance, dangerous driving and, if they are drunk, for drink driving.

“We will take appropriate action in line with this legislation,” the spokesperson added.

E-scooters were a popular gift last Christmas.

Information about e-scooters, along with other forms of transport which are currently banned from public use, can be found at www.gov.uk/government/publications/powered-transporters

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