Thames Valley Police Commissioner warns parents not to buy e-scooters this Christmas
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Thames Valley’s police commissioner has warned parents away from buying e-scooters.
Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber is alerting guardians to the fact private e-scooters cannot legally be driven in public places.
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Hide AdIt is illegal to use privately-owned e-scooters on public roads, pavements and in public spaces like parks and waterfronts.
Commissioner Barber said: “People may think that e-scooters are a good way to get around, but many don’t realise that, as the law stands at the moment, privately owned e-scooters cannot be used on public land.
“Just like cars, the driver of an e-scooter needs to have a licence, insurance and tax but it is not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters, which means it is against the law to use them on the road or in public spaces.
“I expect Thames Valley Police to be stepping up enforcement on privately owned e-scooters. If you're using a private e-scooter you risk the vehicle being seized under S.165 Road Traffic Act 1988 for no insurance. You could also be fined up to £300 and be given six penalty points on your licence. For those caught using them under the age of 18, these penalties will be passed on to parents.
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Hide Ad“So our message to the public this festive season is clear. Don’t buy e-scooters as Christmas presents.”
E-scooter use is permitted in public in areas where they can be rented. Currently, in Aylesbury, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough, Milton Keynes and Oxford e-scooters can be used in approved areas.