Police launch clampdown on illegal e-scooters in Coventry, Birmingham and Sandwell - The Coventry Observer

Police launch clampdown on illegal e-scooters in Coventry, Birmingham and Sandwell

Coventry Editorial 12th Jun, 2021   0

WEST MIDLANDS Police has launched a month-long operation to tackle e-scooter riders who break the law and put others at risk.

Dedicated patrols will be carried out at towns and cities throughout June – those caught on a private e-scooter will have it seized and riders using the hired legal public vehicles will have their accounts suspended.

Since June 1, West Midlands police has seized 10 scooters across the force area and have issued three warnings to riders of VOI scooters which include emails to the company to request either a ban or a warning on their accounts.

Sgt Jon Butler said: “We know there are concerns across our communities around the use of e-scooters.




“If they are used correctly – and in accordance with the rules – they can be a convenient and greener way of travel.”

He added the VOI scheme –- being trialled in Coventry, Birmingham and Sandwell – ensured there was an alternative and more environmentally-friendly way to get around but the scooters could be extremely dangerous if ridden illegally or in heavily pedestrianised areas.


Penalties can also include up to six penalty points on driving licences and fines of £300.

E-scooters are legally available to purchase but it is currently against the law to ride a privately-owned one in any public place in the UK, including roads, pavements, parks, in town centres and on canal towpaths.

They can only be used on private land, with the land-owner’s permission.

The hired scooters can be ridden in the same areas where bikes are allowed, such as on roads and cycle lanes. They cannot be ridden on pavements.

Visit the www.voiscooters.com for more information about the trial and legal use of e-scooters.

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