More than 100 e-scooters were seized last month on public land in Derbyshire due to illegal usage, as part of a recent crackdown. Since November, Derbyshire Police have taken a total of 205 scooters off the streets, with 106 being seized just in December. The enforcement approach adopted by the police force involves immediate seizure at the first offense.
The crackdown has been widespread, spanning from Derby to Chesterfield, with a significant number of vehicles being confiscated in the city center and surrounding suburbs. Riding privately-owned e-scooters on public land, including roads, cycle lanes, or pavements, is illegal because riders are unable to obtain insurance and fulfill other necessary requirements. The only permissible use of e-scooters on public land is through government-approved rental schemes.
Derbyshire Constabulary has emphasized the importance of adhering to these regulations, as the total number of e-scooters seized in the region has now reached 205. Over the past two years, Derbyshire Police have dealt with 509 calls related to anti-social behavior involving e-scooters, along with 441 reports of dangerous riding incidents.
Under the new enforcement strategy, officers are not obligated to issue warnings for first offenses, paving the way for immediate action. Superintendent James Thompson highlighted the success of this approach in the initial two months, aiming to deter unlawful riders and protect unsuspecting buyers from financial loss. The enforcement efforts by Safer Neighbourhood Teams will persist, focusing on seizing illegal e-scooters and educating communities about the existing laws.
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