We are regularly asked about the current trend for using motorised scooters, and whether the local authority has any powers if they are used illegally. To obtain a definitive answer, Residents’ Association councillors asked Havering Council’s Neighbourhoods Department for their advice, which they have given below –
‘The use of e-scooters in public open space is illegal and enforceable by the Police. If there are incidents of anti-social behaviour then this should be reported to the Police via 101 or 999 in an emergency.
The Highway Code states that they must not ride on a pavement intended just for pedestrians. The offence of riding on a pavement is punishable by a fixed penalty notice of £30. This fixed penalty is charged under Schedule 3 and Section 51 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988. However, such a penalty is only enforceable by the Police and not by Council officers.
A personally owned e-scooter in the UK can be legally ridden on private land only, with the landowner’s permission. Due to e-scooters being classified as “powered transporters”, they are covered by the same legislation as motor vehicles and therefore would need to meet the same standards under the Road Traffic Act 1988, to be legalised in public such as being insured, registered with the DVLA and taxed.
Residents can also be reported the Council switchboard or emailing ASBHavering@havering.gov.uk This will be picked up and tasked to the appropriate team to respond.’
