, Foston, Newsletter

May 2021

News

E-Scooters and the law

There seems to be more, and more complaints about people riding E – Scooters, and having spoken to a number of riders, there appears to be a total lack of understanding as to the laws that allows you to ride them in the UK. So here are a few pointers as to the law around the riding of scooters

It would appear that a large number of riders are between the ages of 12-18. We are providing updates on the law for the parents so they are aware that their children could be committing an offence and could be prosecuted and the scooters seized

“Powered transporters” is a term used to cover a variety of novel and emerging personal transport devices which are powered by a motor, including e-scooters

Given how powered transporters are motorised and designed, they fall within the legal definition of a “motor vehicle”. Therefore the laws that apply to motor vehicles apply to powered transporters.

The definition of “motor vehicle” as set out in the Road Traffic Act 1988 is “any mechanically propelled vehicle intended or adapted for use on roads”.

It is illegal to use a powered transporter: •on a public road without complying with a number of legal requirements, which potential users will find very difficult

•in spaces that are set aside for use by pedestrians, cyclists, and horse-riders; this includes on the pavement and in cycle lanes Any person who uses a powered transporter on a public road or other prohibited space in breach of the law is committing a criminal offence and can be prosecuted. It is legal to use a powered transporter:

•on private land with the permission of the land owner

It is an offence to use powered transporters on the pavement. By section 72, Highway Act 1835 it is an offence to ride on, or to lead or draw a carriage on a pavement. This rule applies almost all vehicles, with special legal exceptions for mobility scooters and wheelchairs.

In addition, powered transporters are forbidden from using footpaths. A footpath is a public right of way over land which may only be used on foot (as opposed to a bridleway or a carriageway). Mechanically-propelled vehicles are forbidden from using footpaths by section 34 Road Traffic Act 1988.

For motor vehicles(E-Scooters) to use public roads lawfully, they must meet a number of different requirements. These include insurance; conformity with technical standards and standards of use; payment of vehicle tax, licensing, and registration; driver testing and licensing; and the use of relevant safety equipment.

If the user of a powered transporter could meet these requirements, it might in principle be lawful for them to use public roads. However, it is likely that they will find it very difficult to comply with all of these requirements, meaning that it would be a criminal offence to use them on the road.

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You Said We Did

#YouSaidWeDid

Please find updates from your local beat team in relation to the priorities you have raised via neighbourhood link:

You said –Anti-social-behaviour (ASB).

Local police have continued to proactive patrol all the key areas within Countesthorpe, kilby and Foston. We are working with local Housing and district council to tackle any matters raised. Reports have been raised re youths trespassing on the grounds of Countesthorpe College. We have worked with the head of the college and banning letters have been sent out to parents of the offenders, we have had no further reports since.

You said -Road safety.

Foot patrols in all key areas identified by the residents have been completed and relevant advice and reassurance has been given. We are working alongside local parish councillors and the Highways department Re another action day planned for May to involve the local Traffic Wardens. Local speeding operations have continued in Kilby and two hotspots in Countesthorpe.

You said -Drug taking and Dealing.

Local officers have carried on with proactive patrols within all the key hotspots of the village, signs that have previously been placed have been damaged so we will look to put up further signs in these areas to try and stop any criminal activity taking place. Any concerns or new hotspots raised will be actively patrolled, focusing on key times and days.

You said –Nuisance Motorbikes.

We have received 2 incidents concerning nuisance vehicles in the area of Countesthorpe, we have created a report to monitor this issue and are patrolling these areas of concern to reassure the community that we are aware and dealing. Neighbourhood Link and social media have been updated. We have also spoken to numerous owners of E-Scooters and they have been suitably advised and given warnings re offences of riding them in and around the village.

If you have any further concerns or feedback please do not hesitate to get in contact, or if you see us in the village please come and say hello, and remember you can report crime online at: www.leics.police.uk or call 101. Please dial 999 only in an emergency.

Dedicated Neighbourhood team

Your Beat Team

PS 2985 PCSO 6666 PC 1686 Alex Goldsmith Sarah Eastwood Ian Wardle

We are always happy to hear from you. Please email us at Page 2 [email protected] or call 101.