North Wales Police defend e-scooter swoop that left some people …
Police officers have defended a much-criticised decision to seize an electric scooter in Flintshire. The incident has highlighted tensions over the use of a popular means of transport that is illegal on North Wales roads and can pose risks to motorists and pedestrians.
North Wales Police[1] (NWP) confiscated the e-scooter in Sandycroft on the grounds it lacked insurance. When the NWP North Flintshire team shared the seizure on social media, it prompted an outcry from people saying “more important” crimes should take priority.
Scores of users said e-scooters are being used by people to get to work as it was a green form of transport that didn’t add to road congestion. Others applauded police for tackling a growing “menace” that risks endangering both riders and other vehicles.
E-scooters have soared in popularity but they are currently only legal to ride on private property with the landowner’s permission. Insurance is available but this valid only for e-scooters ridden on private land.
On Facebook[3], Deeside[4] residents took police officers to task for focusing on e-scooters. “Shame on you, taking scooters off kids,” said one woman. “Go catch some real criminals. Total waste of tax payers’ money. Embarrassing.”
The electric scooter seized by the NWP North Flintshire police team in Sandycroft, Deeside (Image: NWP North Flintshire)
Fanning the flames was this week’s publication of a social media video appearing to show a police officer repeatedly punching a 34-year-old man in the head. The police watchdog has launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred during the man’s arrest in Porthmadog, Gwynedd. You can
People on Deeside[7] claimed e-scooters were ubiquitous but rarely attracted police attention. Among regular users was a local carer travelling to her client, it was claimed.
The seizure left many baffled. “Everywhere you go you see children zooming around on them and (the police) only managed to capture one,” said a local man. Another added sarcastically: “The good citizens of North Wales will sleep soundly knowing this.”
Freedom of Information requests reveal that, in 2021, North Wales Police seized 12 e-scooters as part of Operation Weevil, which targeted their illegal use. Among them was an e-scooter belonging to a man who ignored warning to stop using it in Colwyn Bay[8], Conwy[9].
A useful means of transport or a blight on communities? Have your say on e-scooters in the comments below.[10]
NWP Inspector Wesley Williams said the Sandycroft[11] seizure followed concerns expressed by the local community. He said: “Whilst officers were on patrol engaging with the public recently, residents had complained to officers about anti-social riding of motorbikes and e-scooters across north Flintshire[12].
“As a result of local concerns, and in line with the force’s vision to improve road safety and deal with neighbourhood issues locally, the local policing team listened to residents’ concerns and took action by seizing an e-scooter that was being ridden in public in the Sandycroft area to prevent anybody being hurt, or causing injury. We will continue to engage and listen to our communities’ concerns.”
Global e-scooter use has rocketed in recent years, with the number of users in Europe estimated to hit 55.5 million by 2026. A trial involving 40 UK cities, including Chester and Liverpool, permitted the use of rentals and it’s estimated more than 34 million journeys have since been made. Rental riders must have a valid driving license.
In May 2021 the UK Government announced plans for a Transport Bill that would fully legalise private e-scooters in the UK. But ministers are reported to be still studying evidence from the rental trials and new legislation is not now expected until 2024.
If a new law does emerge, the government has pledged to put public safety first. Legal experts fear a surge in accidents[13] but some legislation exist already: earlier this month, a Gwynedd[14] man was arrested after riding an e-scooter while more than twice the drink driving limit.
Officers responded to concerns that the man was riding the vehicle in the dark along the A494 near Bala[15]. His scooter was subsequently seized.
A Ginger e-scooter rental in Chester city centre. The city council introduced them in December 2020 and the trial has now been extended until May 2024 (Image: Cheshire West and Chester Council)
Despite their environmental credentials, there are many who want them banned outright, or regulated properly to put them out of reach of children. “I’m actually shocked there’s been no accidents with kids riding them,” said a Flintshire[16] woman. “They get to go some speed and the kids are all over the place, dodging tragic and pedestrians.”
Some motorists have experienced near-misses, other have reported damaged being caused by e-scooters, though FoI figures for North Wales show this to be relatively rare. In June 2021, a 14-year-old was reported for “nearly hitting” a young woman. Since then, there have been only two further complaints, in August and November last year.
Even so, some people want to see more enforcement such as the Sandycroft seizure. “Insurance, proper safety equipment and a complete ban on use on pavements are needed to get this issue sorted,” said one man, who has seen first-hand the chaos e-scooters are causing in France. “Just an accident waiting to happen. Scooter v Car, who wins?”
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References
- ^ North Wales Police (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Lucky escape for lorry driver after crash shuts A55 stretch for nine hours (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Facebook (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Deeside (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Porthmadog (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ You can