E-scooters will be banned from the promenade in Bournemouth and Poole at peak times in July and August. The decision comes after Bournemouth Beach Hut Association warned it could become “very dangerous” in the area if the vehicles were allowed at busier times.

The Beryl e-scooter share trial that is ongoing in Bournemouth and Poole is one of a number of Department for Transport approved trials taking place around the country to assess the potential for e-scooters as an environmentally-friendly alternative to local car travel.

There have however been reports of people using privately-owned e-scooters on the prom despite the fact it is still illegal to use them in public areas.

Ann Gerrard, chair of the Bournemouth Beach Hut Association, told the Bournemouth Echo: "I think it is going to be very dangerous along the prom as the beach gets busier.

"It is bad enough with the cyclists but the e-scooters are going to make it worse. They go far too fast and people can't hear them coming."

A BCP Council spokesperson said that so far the trial had been a success and there had been few problems.

However, they added that e-scooters would not be permitted to operate along the promenade from 10am to 6pm in July and August in line with the no cycling restriction.

"We have received very few complaints about incidents or misuse of the Beryl e-scooters in the BCP Council trial, despite the fact that they have proved to be very popular,” they said.

"All privately owned e-scooters are illegal for use on any public roads and cycle paths, including the promenade. They can currently only be used on private land. Enforcement of the rules for private e-scooters is a matter for the police and anyone wishing to report their use should call 111 in the first instance."

Those joining the Beryl hire scheme must be over 16 and hold a valid provisional or full UK driving licence. Misuse of e-scooters could lead to fines or penalty points on your licence while privately-owned scooters could be impounded.

Last month a drunk Nottingham e-scooter rider was handed an 18-month driving ban. The man said he didn’t realise he had been travelling on a motorised vehicle with all the implications of travelling in a car.