MALDON police are adopting a policy of explaining the rules to parents of children riding e-scooters before taking other action, a meeting was told yesterday (Monday, 19 July).

Essex Police launched a campaign back in June aimed at owners and riders of privately-owned e-scooters used in public areas.

The force said then that its overarching aim is to keep everyone safe on regional roads and footpaths, adding: "We want to educate owners and riders of privately owned e-scooters about the current legislation and, where necessary, take enforcement action especially where there is evidence of anti-social behaviour, other riding offences or wider criminality."

In line with this stance, during feedback on local policing at yesterday's meeting, Special Constable Bryan Trigg said: "We're tackling the e-scooter issue with under-16s by telling the parents of children riding them in public about the rules, so it is taken back home and the young person isn't criminalised."

However, he warned: "But if it happens again, then that's a different matter."

The use of privately-owned e-scooters in any public place is illegal and they can be confiscated by police as well as attracting fines and penalties. There is not currently a scheme in the Maldon district area for hiring them, as there is in Chelmsford and other areas of Essex.

E-scooters are powered and so fall within the legal definition of a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Therefore, the rules that apply to motor vehicles also apply to e-scooters, which includes that they must not be ridden on footpaths or pavements and must not be ridden carelessly.

As an e-scooter is classed as a motor vehicle, users must have:

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* valid insurance

However, it is not currently possible to get appropriate insurance for privately owned e-scooters. This means they cannot be used on the road or in public places legally.

For more information about the current legislation you can visit the Essex Police website using the link here.