Nuisance e-scooters must be regulated

HAVE I been tempted by an e-scooter? Frequently! Tempted, that is (and I often do) to shout abuse at them as the silent menaces fly by on pavements and pedestrian areas, weaving in and out of the crowds at speeds well in excess of 20-20 mph – leaving me uncharitably hoping that they will hit a lamppost or other obstacle and do the operator serious injury and damage the two-wheeled vehicle beyond repair.

I can understand the appeal of e-scooters and recognise that they are environmentally friendly. But the Department of Transport needs to take urgent action to introduce and enforce regulations governing the ownership and operation of e-scooters.

Few of those one sees on e-scooters seem to be aware (or care?) that while it is legal to own one it is already illegal to use them on public roads, cycle lanes, pavements or pedestrian areas.

In recent weeks I have twice narrowly avoided being hit by a speeding e-scooter on the pavement while waiting at a bus stop. And I have lost count of the number of times I have seen (and almost been hit by) one hurtling through the pedestrianised areas of Christchurch Road between the Triangle and Horseshoe Common, including The Square! They must be regulated in the same way as any other motorised vehicle – at the very least they must be registered, carry a registration plate and third-party insurance should be mandatory for anyone driving/operating an e-scooter. Robert Readman

Dorset