E-scooters and bikes to be scrapped under new 'deterrent' UK law

E-scooters and bikes to be scrapped under new 'deterrent' UK law
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


Electric bikes and scooters could be scrapped under new 'deterrent' police powers. Midlands cops are now instantly seizing non-conforming e-bikes and e-scooters without an initial warning as part of a new crackdown on the nuisance vehicles.

Sergeant Zane Tompkins from the city centre beat team said: "Listening to our community and taking action against the issues they raise is important. I hope that the seizing of these vehicles acts as a clear deterrent to anyone who rides illegally through our city."

Meanwhile, a Leicestershire Police spokesperson confirmed that vehicles seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act will be scrapped. City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby has also sworn to use “all the tools at his disposal” to deal with perceived problems in the city centre.

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Speaking previously, he said: “I very much welcome this new approach to tackling the nuisance of illegal e-bikes and electric scooters in our city centre. We know that e-bike riders going dangerously fast on pedestrianised streets can have a significant impact on people’s enjoyment of the city centre.”

Taking to social media, one local posted: “Was in Leicester city today and pleased to see the police on High Street and the Clock Tower seizing these scooters. About time they were taken off of our roads and pavements!”

A second wrote: “I had to go into town this morning and was pleasantly surprised. I only had three near misses walking down Granby Street, so hopefully the deterrent is already having a hugely positive effect. Usually it's a lot more.

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“The issue is you can't hear them approaching with all the hubbub, especially with near-constant roadworks going on and fire alarms ringing. These shared spaces are an utter joke and a serious safety hazard for disabled people.”

And another wrote: “E bikes and scooters make you jump out your skin when they're coming past from behind. A bit like bikes do. There should be a law that requires a bleeper like the buses have when in town, and/or the requirement for a bell to ping when passing someone.”