Crackdown on illegal e-scooters in Manchester City Centre

A team of 15 GMP officers, PCSOs and Specials undertook a one-day, proactive day of action in the city centre, on July 8 2021, to educate the public on the use of e-scooters and seize those which were being used illegally. 

The aim was to try and ensure everyone’s safety on public roads.

In the past year, there has been a noticeable increase in the popularity and use of e-scooters.

However, like any other vehicle, there are specific rules around the use of e-scooters:

They can only be used on private land with the owner’s permission.

The only e-scooters that can be used on public roads in Greater Manchester are those that are part of the ongoing trial in Salford and Rochdale.

This trial allows for the legal use of Lime e-scooters in the designated trial area only.

Although e-scooters are a great option in supporting more sustainable forms of transport, officers engaged with those using them illegally to remind them of the safety danger they can pose. 

They can be particularly dangerous,  if used on pavements and designated cycle lanes.

During the day of action, officers seized 23 e-scooters that were being used illegally and educated members of the public on the regulations around e-scooters.

Inspector Jon Shilvock, from GMP’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “We are aware of the increase in popularity in e-scooters, however they are classified as personal light electric vehicles by the Department of Transport.

"The regulations for owning and using them must be enforced to ensure the safety of everyone using our roads and public footpaths.

“Today is not only about taking illegal e-scooters off the roads, but engaging with people and making sure they understand what the rules are.

"This was one targeted day of action in the city centre, however our officers will be remaining vigilant and taking the appropriate if and when they see e-scooters being used illegally in Greater Manchester, we will also be working with retailers to ensure they inform potential buyers of the rules surrounding e-scooter use.”

 

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