E-scooters seized over town centre safety concerns

More than a dozen e-scooters have been seized by police in Shrewsbury following reports of dangerous riding in the town centre.

West Mercia Police said that although e-scooters are available to buy in Shropshire, they can only be ridden on private land with the owner's permission and are illegal on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes and pedestrian-only areas. There are no legal e-scooter rental services in the county.

The force said it would continue patrolling the town centre during half term and warned it could seize more.

Insp Ingrid Tozer, who is responsible for Shrewsbury town centre, said the e-scooters were a risk to pedestrians and that a total of 14 and one e-bike had been seized.

She said there had been concerns from the community about the vehicles "being ridden dangerously and causing anti-social behaviour".

Tozer encouraged parents and carers to talk to young people "to make sure they understand the law around e-scooter use".

The Department for Transport said between 760,000 and 1.2 million people in England aged 16 and over own an e-scooter.

It is legal to ride them in parts of England and Wales where public trials are taking place, such as Birmingham, subject to strict rules including speed limits.

Users must have a full or provisional driving licence and must not ride on the pavement. Helmets are recommended but are not mandatory.

E-scooters are legally classed as motor vehicles and, outside the trials, they cannot be insured for road use.

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