THE ASSISTANT Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands has written to the government demanding to know why it has postponed the introduction of new e-scooter laws.
APCC Tom McNeil was one of the first to campaign about the illegal use of private e-scooters and has long advocated tighter regulation and better health and safety requirements, similar to the rules for e-bikes.
Some private electric scooters have been found to travel at speeds of up to 70 mph.
All private e-scooters are banned from public roads and pavements under law.
But that hasn’t stopped retailers cashing in by selling hundreds of e-scooters that they know people are using illegally on public highways across the region.
Tom McNeil said there needs to be proper health and safety rules in place including speed limits on the scooters.
“I have written to the government demanding to know why it has failed to tighten the rules around e-scooters.
“Private e-scooters are a menace on our roads and pavements. They are being ridden dangerously and with no regard to pedestrians. I do not want to see another death on our streets, because the government has dragged its heels.
“I’ve been crystal clear with the government that it must act now if we are to prevent dozens more injuries and potentially deaths.”
