Sussex Police is reminding those that obtained an e-scooter for Christmas in regards to the guidelines surrounding the car’s use.
The warning follows the convictions of two electrical scooter riders in latest weeks, and people contemplating utilizing them are being suggested to verify they keep inside the legislation.
E-scooter homeowners are being reminded that their car might be seized if they’re seen driving in a public place in Sussex, in response to police.
A Sussex Police spokesperson mentioned, “E-scooters are classed as a powered vehicle, which means they are subject to the same laws as motor vehicles, but at the present time it is not possible to register, insure or tax the vehicles for use on the road.
“Sussex Police’s renewed advice follows increasing public concern about road safety, with frequent reports of e-scooters riding on pavements, and crime reports linked to e-scooters.”
If e-scooter riders are stopped by police their car could also be seized they usually might be penalised additional – relying on the seriousness of the offence.
If caught driving an e-scooter, residents may obtain a £300 tremendous and 6 penalty factors for not having legitimate insurance coverage.
Riders may be hit with a £100 tremendous and three to 6 penalty factors on their licence for driving in any other case than in accordance with a licence.
Other offences which can end in penalties embody driving on the footpath, utilizing a cell phone, driving by way of crimson lights and drink driving offences, in response to police.
Police mentioned earlier this month, 31-year-old Carl Bond was convicted after he was seen ‘acting suspiciously’ whereas driving an e-scooter in Seaside Road, Eastbourne on September 6.
Bond was arrested on suspicion of possession of hashish, utilizing a motorcar with out insurance coverage, driving in any other case than in accordance with a licence and driving whereas disqualified, in response to police.
Officers mentioned he appeared earlier than Brighton Magistrates’ Court on December 15 the place he was sentenced for all 4 costs.
The police spokesperson mentioned, “The court told Bond, of Saxby Close, Eastbourne, his e-scooter has been seized and ordered him to do 200 hours of unpaid work and 30 rehabilitation activity requirement sessions.
“He must also pay an £85 fine and was disqualified from driving for a further six months.”
Police mentioned George Vakis, 19, of Thakeham Close, Bexhill, was additionally sentenced to at least one yr of detention in a youth offenders’ establishment after he admitted wounding an officer whereas driving an e-scooter.
Chief inspector Michael Hodder mentioned, “These cases are a reminder that owners of e-scooters can face being arrested by our officers if they are seen riding in public places.
“E-scooters are becoming more widely available to purchase, and although it is illegal to ride a privately purchased e-scooter in public, they are not illegal to purchase. Many people may have bought one as a gift for Christmas.
“Riders are subject to the same laws a motorist would need to drive lawfully on the road, including the requirement to have a valid licence, insurance, registration plates and vehicle licensing, and to have the correct registration.
“E-scooters are illegal because there are currently no legal ways to register, insure or tax them.”
Officers mentioned they’ve the facility to grab the car beneath part 165 of the Road Traffic Act.
Across the nation there are ‘future transport’ trials going down, with the intention of gaining additional perception into the environmental, well being, and security advantages of these kinds of automobiles, in response to police.
Police mentioned there are at the moment no areas in Sussex collaborating in these trials and e-scooters stay unlawful to make use of on public roads.
Chief inspector Hodder added, “So please make sure you keep and use your e-scooter on private land only, with the owner’s permission, to ensure this does not happen to you.”