More than 100 e-scooters taken off county streets

More than 100 e-scooters being used illegally on public land were seized last month as part of a crackdown in Derbyshire.

A total of 205 scooters have now been taken off the streets since Derbyshire Police adopted a seize at first offence approach in November, with 106 vehicles seized in December.

The force said action has taken place from Derby to Chesterfield, with the majority of vehicles taken in the city centre and surrounding suburbs.

It is illegal to ride privately-owned e-scooters on public land such as roads, cycle lanes or pavements, as riders cannot get insurance and meet other requirements.

E-scooters can only be used on public land if they are hired as part of a government-approved scheme.

In the last two years, Derbyshire Police said it had received 509 calls relating to anti-social behaviour involving e-scooters, and 441 reports of them being ridden dangerously.

As part of the new approach, there is no requirement for officers to issue an initial warning at the time of a first offence.

Supt James Thompson said: "This new approach has had a successful first two months.

"We want to make sure that the message gets out there to prevent innocent buyers from being left out of pocket and make it clear that those using our roads and pavements illegally will face consequences.

"Our Safer Neighbourhood Teams will continue to proactively work to seize e-scooters – as well as making sure our communities are aware of the law."

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.