Police in London have seized dozens of e-scooters in operations in Brixton and Clapham. The crackdown comes ahead of the start of three e-scooter trials in the capital from June.
While a blanket ban on e-scooters was lifted last July to allow for trials, the use of privately owned e-scooters on public roads remains illegal.
Launching its first e-scooter earlier this year, Halfords called for the law to be updated, suggesting that the UK was ‘behind the curve’ when it came to legalisation.
An operation in Brixton town centre last Monday saw 20 scooters seized.
Herne Hill Police said that they were taken, “for no insurance and for driving otherwise in accordance with a licence.”
***Correction after another 45 minutes by officers the final total was 20 scooters seized*** pic.twitter.com/k4C8T6mK6M
— Herne Hill Police (@MPSHerneHill) May 17, 2021
A day later, another 25 scooters were seized in an operation carried out on Clapham High Street.
“Thank you to the many members of public who approached and thanked us for focusing on this,” said Coldharbour Police.
Another deployment today this time focusing on Clapham High Street. Another 25 E-scooters seized. Two persons arrested; one for possession of a pointed/bladed article and assault police.
— Coldharbour Police (@MPSColdharbour) May 18, 2021
Thank you to the many members of public who approached and thanked us for focusing on this. https://t.co/kqphCP1f1I pic.twitter.com/6gVK61Cc0M
London’s e-scooter trials will begin on Monday June 7 with three operators – Dott, Lime and Tier – involved.
Scooters will initially be available to rent in Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, Richmond and the City with more areas expected to join the 12-month trial as it progresses.
