Cold callers by John Gorham
I would just like to repeat a message that I sent out last week, concerning cold callers to your front door.
If you do have a cold caller, that goes on to tell you that you need something doing to your property, I suggest you politely decline, and shut the door.
If what the cold caller told you concerns you in any way, then contact your own trades person to call and have a look. This is the best way of finding out if a job actually needs doing, and you will get a good job done at a fair price.
Going on from this, if you have a cold caller that states they are from the gas board, electric company, Police or any other service, ask to see an ID card, and if you are still slightly suspicious then ask the person to wait outside whilst you check with their company, if they are genuine, they will not mind.
(Police, PCSO, Folkestone and Hythe Community Safety Unit Romney Marsh)
What is an e-scooter? by Ferenc Zsinko
Electrical scooters (also known as e-scooters) come under the category of “powered transporters”; this covers a range of personal transport devices which are powered by a motor.
E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Which means the rules that apply to motor vehicles, also apply to e-scooters including the need to have a licence, insurance and tax.
It’s not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters, which means it’s illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces. If you’re using a private e-scooter you risk the vehicle being seized under S.165 Road Traffic Act 1988 for no insurance.
If you cause serious harm to another person whilst riding an e-scooter the incident will be investigated in the same way it would if you were riding a motorcycle or driving a car.
Legal use of an e-scooter
It’s legal to use an e-scooter on private land with the permission of the land owner.
- Where a trial rental scheme is running, it’s legal to use a rental e-scooter on a public road or cycle lane, provided you have the correct licence and follow road traffic regulations.
Penalties and offences
If you don’t have a licence, or the correct licence, or are riding without insurance you could face a Fixed Penalty notice:
- With a £300 fine and six penalty points on your licence for having no insurance
Up to £100 fine and three to six penalty points for riding without the correct licence
You could also be committing an offence if you’re caught: - Riding on a pavement; Fixed Penalty Notice and possible £50 fine
Using a mobile phone while riding; £100 and six penalty points
Riding through red lights; Fixed Penalty Notice, £100 fine and possible penalty points
Drink driving: the same as if you were driving a car, you could face court imposed fines, a driving ban and possible imprisonment
If you’re using an e-scooter in public in an antisocial manner, you can also risk the e-scooter being seized under section 59 of the Police Reform Act.
When riding an e-scooter, we would always recommend wearing safety protection such as a helmet and to keep to the speed limit.
(Police, PCSO, Folkestone and Hythe Community Safety Unit Romney Marsh)