Action on e-scooters
Today, I’d like to discuss a topic which has been in the news recently and is an issue I have consistently raised since I came to Office – E-scooters. I fully acknowledge the concern these vehicles cause in our communities, especially given their rise in popularity and in some cases, links with crime and anti-social behaviour. Over the years I have had many conversations with the public who have expressed worry and frustration over irresponsible and reckless use of e-scooters and illegal e-bikes, and I want you to know these have and will continue to be taken seriously.
Since I became PCC, I have raised these concerns with Dorset Police, as well as the relevant authorities and hire schemes, to ensure your views and concerns are fed back to those with the power to make changes and enforce the law to ensure public safety. This includes meeting with Beryl UK over their e-scooter hire scheme in the BCP area to discuss dangerous behaviours associated with their use.
As part of my Police and Crime Plan commitment to improving road safety in Dorset, I have continued to communicate the public’s concerns to the Force about e-scooters and know that wherever possible Dorset Police is taking robust action on this issue. So far this year the Force has seized more than 50 electric scooters and 33 electric bikes, which have been driven illegally. The Force have also launched a targeted operation to tackle illegally modified bikes, scooters and scramblers in response to an increase in reported incidents involving these vehicles in Poole and North Bournemouth. This operation aims to disrupt activity by seizing these vehicles, arresting offenders and increasing patrols in ASB hotspot areas so communities feel safe and listened to. The vehicles will then be sent away, crushed and recycled – see more here. Alongside this tough enforcement, Dorset Police’s innovation board has invested in SmartTag forensic spray, partnering with Bournemouth University to analyse data, providing an evidence base for tactical plans in the future. You can find out more about SmartTag here.
Currently, under the existing law, privately owned e-scooters can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission. It is illegal to use them anywhere else and this includes public roads, on pavements, in cycle lanes and pedestrian-only areas such as town centres and beach fronts. However, given the rise in their usage and concerns about safety and anti-social behaviour I want to see clearer regulations and legislation; what is currently in place is not fit for purpose.
I believe these could and should include mandatory licence plates and insurance, alongside a minimum age for those using them and a limit on the speed installed by the manufacturers. I would also support a test to ensure those who use them abide by road safety laws. When it comes to the hire schemes in operation in Dorset, I would like visible number plates and stronger enforcement towards those flouting the rules, with companies facing serious consequences if this isn’t adhered to. We need legislation which makes it clear that illegal and dangerous behaviour will not be tolerated and if offences are committed, those committing it and indeed those facilitating it, will be suitably punished.
Dorset Police are rightly being robust on this issue. Now we need action from those in power to show they are listening to the public. I am clear; if you’re caught riding one of these vehicles illegally in Dorset, it will be seized, crushed and recycled. I will continue to support the Force in robustly tackling this issue to ensure people can feel safe where they live, work and visit.
David Sidwick
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner
- Advice about e-scooters from Dorset Police here - Advice on e-scooter usage | Dorset Police
- To report issues relating to the use of Beryl e-scooters please contact the Beryl control room on 020 3003 5044 – open 7am to 9pm, 7 days a week or go online at Beryl-BCP