Issue - meetings

Reports and presentation attached.

The report before Members provided a comprehensive summary of Escooter legislation, the impact of continued illegal use including the adoption of the devices by various criminal groups and the road danger concerns.

Legal history stated that because Escooters were powered by motors they were considered by the Department of Transport (DFT) and MPS to be mechanically propelled vehicles; therefore, for the purposes of the Road Traffic Act a driving license and insurance were both required and any offences that applied to motor vehicles (i.e. riding on pavements) also applied to Escooters.

In terms of local context, statistics were not readily available but the concern around crime was a focal point currently centred on education and enforcement.  Officers thought that the requirement of a licence and insurance had thus far served as a deterrent.

Councillors queried Council Officers on whether sellers of Escooters were required to clarify and relay the rule and regulations for the use of Escooters to customers and whether any of the regulations were being relayed to young people via the education system.

Officers confirmed that there were disclaimers on the packaging but as far as they knew it was not a legal requirement for businesses to ensure customers were aware and trading standards colleagues could be of more help in this area if required. In terms of police action, a possible PSPO was being considered and the Road and Safety and Transport team were visiting schools and distributing leaflets in conjunction with the Autumn Nights operations program.

Questions around Identifiers or statutory registration of Escooters were also raised and Officers indicated that there was little information available around that.

The Sub-Committee noted the contents of the report.