PCC rolls out campaign to educate teachers, parents and pupils on e-scooter laws

A new campaign is underway to raise awareness of the illegality of e-scooters as part of a tough new enforcement drive.

Responding to widespread concerns raised by residents, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts has written to school leaders across the county and city, as well as MPs and Councillors, to request support for the distribution of new resources to educate the public and young people on e-scooter laws.

It follows the introduction of a new ‘seize and dispose’ approach by the force, fully backed by the PCC, which came into operation on November 1st and sees officers seizing e-scooters on the first interaction with police before sending them for disposal. Users should also be aware that they can face prosecution. Previously offenders usually received a warning on the first occasion they were stopped. 

Ninety-nine (99) e-scooters were seized by Derbyshire Constabulary in November.

In a further move, the Commissioner has confirmed all PCSOs across the force (almost 200 officers) have been granted powers by the Chief Constable to seize e-scooters. This is a significant step which will enable officers to respond more robustly when they are reported to be causing a nuisance. 

The PCC is collaborating with the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) to develop a unified national lobby asking the Government to work with PCCs and forces to help resolve the current blight of e-scooters and bring tangible differences to residents’ safety.

She has also written to both the Home Secretary and Transport Secretary to ask the Government to review enforcement, engagement, and the overall sale of e-scooters with the aim of seeking legislative change to further protect communities.

In promoting the awareness campaign, the Commissioner appealed to parents to think twice before buying their children e-scooters as presents this Christmas given the inherent dangers in them being driven recklessly and the potential for unintentional law breaking.

She said: “Illegal e-scooters are a huge concern for our communities in Derbyshire. As it stands, there is little legislation available to help officers prevent them being used dangerously – and illegally – which is something both the Chief Constable and I are determined to change.

“Last year, 22 people were injured in collisions involving e-scooters in Derbyshire. The public deserve protection, and I would appeal to parents and young people themselves to take heed of the safety warnings and the potential for prosecution and avoid buying these vehicles for Christmas.  

“E-scooters pose a danger and nuisance to pedestrians and other road users when ridden illegally. However, most riders are unaware of legislation on their usage, and this is something we want to change working with our partners in education and our local MPs. 

“The new enforcement policy is the first step to ensuring the issue of illegal e-scooters is treated with the urgency residents expect. I would appeal to all residents, parents, carers and young people who witnesses someone riding an e-scooter illegally to support our efforts by reporting it directly to Derbyshire Constabulary on the non-emergency number 101 or online.” 

E-scooters are classified as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. This means they require a licence, insurance and tax. It is not possible to get insurance for a privately-owned e-scooter and this means it is illegal to use them on the road or in a public place. 

Anyone who causes serious harm to another person while riding an e-scooter will be prosecuted in the same way as if they were riding a motorcycle or driving a car.