Sussex Police are launching enforcement action on the use of electric scooters throughout February.
Currently, it is illegal to ride an e-scooter on public roads, cycle lanes or pavements in Sussex, and this month their Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be carrying out proactive patrols to enforce the law.
The force have said there has been increasing public concern about road safety, with frequent reports of e-scooters riding on pavements and crime reports linked to e-scooters. Superintendent James Collis said:
There have been plenty of warnings and advice to electric scooter users about how the vehicles cannot be used here in Sussex.
We are here to enforce the law and ensure riders stay within the law. E-scooter riders found riding in public roads or in public places could face arrest and prosecution.
Riders are subject to the same laws a motorist would need to drive lawfully on the road, including the requirement to have a valid licence, insurance, registration plates and vehicle licensing, and to have the correct registration.
E-scooters are illegal because there are currently no legal ways to register, insure or tax them in Sussex.
E-scooters should only be used on private land with the owner’s permission.
While there are Government trials taking place under the Future of Transport scheme, with the aim of gaining further insight into the environmental, health, and safety benefits of these types of vehicles, there are currently no areas in Sussex taking part in these trials.
Owners are being advised that if they are seen riding an e-scooter in Sussex they can be arrested for offences such as; driving an e-scooter under the influence of drink or drugs, driving an e-scooter whilst disqualified or causing death or serious injury via a collision whilst driving an e-scooter.
Sussex Police will be working with the support of the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership and the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure road safety during the enforcement action in February.
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said:
As the law stands at the moment e-scooters can only be ridden on private land and Sussex Police have made it clear that they will continue to enforce the law.
My advice is – don’t ride them in public or you run the risk of injury to yourself and others, being fined or having the e-scooter seized.
What happens if I am stopped by Sussex Police?
The scooter may be seized and the officer may penalise you further, depending on the seriousness of the offence. If caught riding an e-scooter, fines you may receive can include:
- A £300 fine and six penalty points for not having valid insurance.
- A £100 fine and three to six penalty points on your licence for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
- Other offences which may result in penalties include riding on the footpath, using a mobile phone, riding through red lights and drink driving offences.
Click to see Sussex Police’s full legal advice surrounding the use of electric scooters.
Love ’em or hate ’em?
- What do you think or e-scooters?
- Do you own one – where do you use it?
- Do you think the law needs changing to allow their use either on roads or pavements?
- Are they a nuisance where you live?
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