Police planning pre-Christmas warning over e-scooters
POLICE are to launch a pre-Christmas education campaign in a bid to prevent parents buying expensive e-scooters, which cannot be used legally anywhere except private land.
The electric machines are readily available from mainstream retailers, and although they are advertised with a warning about use, it is believed many do not realise how stringent the restrictions are.
Now South Yorkshire Police are hoping to spread the message around schools in the Hoyland, Elsecar, Wombwell and Darfield area.
They hope that might make parents think twice before investing - which could lead to their children’s Christmas gifts being seized by officers if they were misused on the streets.
Current legislation means police can seize the devices used illegally without issuing any further warnings.
The South Barnsley Neighbourhood Policing Team insist they would prefer parents to take notice of the law before buying, rather than see officers have to take the unpopular step of confiscation.
E-scooters have become an increasing problem as their popularity has grown, with an increased road safety risk.
Children using them is one problem, they are also exploited by criminals for fast getaways.
Some of the machines can reach speeds of 30 or 40 mph.
Police hope to be able to reach parents via schools and plan to take action in the weeks ahead.
Cllr Kevin Osborne, who represents Darfield on Barnsley Council, has supported the stance and said: “Using these vehicles in the wrong place not only breaks the law but also puts riders and pedestrians at risk.
“Before making a Christmas purchase, think carefully about where and how it will be used.
“Our community deserves better than this ongoing nuisance.”