E-scooters Police warn vehicles could be seized on the school run
PUPILS at a South Bristol secondary school have been warned of tougher e-scooter enforcement from next term.
Police have sent a letter to parents at Bedminster Down School, advising that their children could have their electric scooters confiscated if they repeatedly break the law on their use.
Students seen illegally riding privately-owned scooters will be given a warning – but if they are caught a second time, the e-scooter will be seized and “not returned”.
It is not yet clear if this enforcement policy is being introduced at other Bristol schools, nor if there are any plans to step up patrols at the gates.
Electric scooters are still illegal to ride on public streets and pavements in England, with users only permitted to travel on private land with the landowner’s permission.
The only exception is with the ongoing trials in selected cities, including the Voi trial in the Bristol area.
However, even the Voi trial has an age limit of 18 and riders must hold a valid driving licence.
In April, parents were warned not to illegally hire the scooters for their children after police raised suspicions that this was happening in South Gloucestershire.
Despite the law, e-scooters seem to be an increasingly common sight on the school run – including at Bedminster Down, which teaches some 1,000 pupils. In the letter, parents and carers were informed of an “increase in students using electric scooters to get to school”.
It was sent last Wednesday and was attributed to a police constable who manages the school beat.
PC Thompson advised in the letter: “Although the law is very straightforward about the use of e-scooters in public, there is a lot of confusion among the general public.
“They see them being used on the continent (where they are legal) and they can freely buy them on the high street or online.
“Unfortunately, many people say that the fact that they cannot use them on the roads was not mentioned when they were sold them, and they are unaware of this restriction.
“Please note, some changes were made to the law to make the use of some e-scooters in public lawful; this ONLY relates to e-scooters hired from an approved rental company, such as the current trial in Bristol.”
He said if students continue to ride e-scooters into school, they will be advised that their use is unlawful and this conversation will be recorded.
One warningThe letter continued: “We will safely store the scooter (s) until a parent/guardian can collect this and transport it home safely.
“If a student is seen using the scooter on a second occasion then the scooter will be seized under ‘no insurance’; if a scooter is seized under ‘no insurance’ it will not be returned to the student or yourself [parents].”
The PC urged parents to get in touch if they were still unclear on the rules of use.
He added: “This policy will ensure your child is complying with the law, whilst also maintaining their safety to and from school.
“I will always endeavour to engage, explain and educate when speaking with the students about their legal responsibilities.”
Most Bristol state schools are due to resume classes next week following the half term break this week.
Other schools have already written to parents about rising e-scooter use.
In March, Orchard School in Horfield told parents they will have to come in and collect their child’s e-scooter if any were seen on school property.
Police have the power to seize a vehicle for various reasons, including if it is “being driven by someone who does not have a proper licence or insurance”.
Currently e-scooters are covered by the same laws that apply to other motor vehicles, meaning they require an MOT, tax, registration and licensing to be deemed roadworthy.
However, the government guidance states: “If the user of a [scooter] could meet these requirements, it might in principle be lawful for them to use public roads.
“It is likely that they will find it very difficult to comply with all of these requirements, meaning that it would be a criminal offence to use them on the road.”
❝ If a student is seen using the scooter on a second occasion then the scooter will be seized...and it will not be returned