I have launched a campaign calling for tighter regulations on e-scooters to ensure public safety and consistent enforcement of the law. I have written to both the Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire and Rutland, Rupert Matthews, and North West Leicestershire MP, Amanda Hack, to seek clarification on the current enforcement policies and push for legislative reform.
E-scooters are currently classified as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988, requiring licensing and insurance for legal use on public roads. However, enforcement varies significantly between police forces, creating confusion and inconsistency. A recent Freedom of Information request revealed that only one e-scooter had been seized in Leicestershire between November 2023 and October 2024, compared to several hundred in neighbouring Derbyshire.
In my letter to Mr. Matthews, I highlighted this disparity, questioning why the law appears to be interpreted differently across police forces. A recent statement from North West Leicestershire Police indicated that first-time offenders are issued a warning, with confiscation only occurring upon a second offence. I questioned this approach, asking whether police should be upholding the law from the outset rather than applying a discretionary policy.
In my letter to Amanda Hack MP, I called for legislative reform to bring clarity to the issue. While I do not support an outright ban on e-scooters, I believe that proper regulation is needed to ensure they are used safely and responsibly. I have urged her to support a structured licensing system that includes mandatory basic training, safety equipment, and insurance requirements.
“E-scooters are becoming increasingly popular, but the current laws are too vague and open to interpretation,” I said. “This creates a situation where enforcement is inconsistent, and public safety is put at risk. Either these machines need to be banned, or we need clear legislation that allows them to be used responsibly and legally.”
I am now calling on local residents to support my campaign by contacting their local representatives and voicing their concerns. With enough public backing, I hope that this issue can be raised in Parliament to ensure that a fair and enforceable regulatory framework is introduced.
For now, I await responses from both the Police and Crime Commissioner and MP Amanda Hack, and I remain committed to pushing for change that prioritises public safety without unnecessarily restricting e-scooter users who follow the rules.
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