Complaints over children 'joyriding' on scooters

Children are "joyriding" on hire scooters they are supposed to be too young to use, a councillor has said.

Salford Quays councillor Jonathan Moore said the machines, currently available for hire in the area as part of a trial scheme, were being ridden around late at night and causing a nuisance to residents.

He said the scooters were being taken to the Quayside car park next to the Lowry theatre and shopping centre by riders who then scooted up and down the ramps.

Salford City Council said its officers were investigating the issue.

The scooters cost £1 to unlock and 17p per minute to use, and are available to anyone 18 or over with a provisional driving licence.

But Moore said children’s parents could be using their details to help their kids access the scooters.

"In the car park they go to the top floors and they shoot up and down the ramps. They go at maximum speed... shouting and shrieking and all the rest of it," he said.

"Because the car park has no windows, it’s open to the elements. The noise impacts people in nearby buildings."

He said the scooters were often found abandoned on the pavements.

Moore said it was understood that the hire firm had said a locking mechanism similar to that used on rental bikes was not possible.

He added: "It’s not the biggest problem in the world but there are some issues and if it turns into a permanent scheme then these teething issues need resolving."

John-Paul Atley, founder of the Salford Quays Community Forum, said there were "mixed views" because students who used the scooters to go to university felt they were safer than walking.

Salford Council said it was working with hire firm Lime to find a solution.

Lime said members of the public could report examples of underage riding so it could investigate.

MediaCity was contacted for comment.

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