Thirty electric scooters have been seized as part of an ongoing clampdown on their illegal use in Maidstone. Seven of the e-scooters have already been destroyed, during the operation by officers to identify and stop riders seen in town centre roads and other public areas.
It is currently against the law to use e-scooters on public streets, pavements, or cycle lanes.
They are only permitted on private land, with the landowner’s permission, and in parts of the country where the Government has permitted trials.
Since 10 December 2023, patrols have been making proactive checks across several areas of Maidstone town centre, following concerns over the safety of riders, as well as pedestrians including elderly people. Those found breaking the law have been stopped in places including Lower Stone Street, Palace Avenue, Tonbridge Road, Gabriel’s Hill and King Street. Pedestrianised areas such as Week Street have also been targeted, where eight e-scooters have been seized.
Maidstone Chief Inspector Mark McLellan said:
‘The dangerous, illegal, and inappropriate use of e-scooters can pose serious risks to the safety of older and vulnerable pedestrians, and they are also a hazard to other road users, such as cyclists and motorists.
‘At the end of last year, our officers led a month-long campaign in Maidstone to raise awareness with the public about legislation surrounding the use of e-scooters.
‘We are continuing to stop riders to give advice and reminders around the current legislation, and anyone who is found to have ignored previous warnings faces being fined and having their e-scooters seized and destroyed.’