E-scooter use is ‘an accident waiting to happen’, say residents

Residents have raised concerns about the use of e-scooters in Melksham, describing them as ‘an accident waiting to happen.’

One resident, who lives in Bowerhill, says he regularly sees e-scooters travelling at what he believes to be 20 to 25mph.

“There’s a guy all in black with his face covered, and he goes bombing around on this thing through the estate,” he said. “What really worries me is that there are blind corners where he doesn’t seem to slow down.

“What really frightens me is if he hit a child, you would kill the child. That’s not being dramatic.

“I know the police are aware of the situation. They asked me to try and get a photo, but by the time I got my phone out, he was gone.”

Another resident, who lives on the estate next to Forest and Sandridge School, also raised safety concerns.

“I regularly see people using them riding through the estate,” they said. “My concern is they often go quickly round corners. A lot of children walk to school on that estate and it’s dangerous.”

Wiltshire Police recently launched a campaign from 1st August to crack down on people riding illegal e-scooters.

Now, anyone who is stopped riding an illegal e-scooter or modified, high-powered e-bike can expect to have it seized and destroyed, following numerous complaints the police have received about them being ridden dangerously and used for associated criminality and anti-social behaviour.

Sergeant Gemma Rutter of the Melksham Neighbourhood Team said, “We are aware of the considerable public concern around high-powered e-bikes and e-scooters, which are often ridden dangerously on our roads and pavements.

“Both e-scooters and e-bikes are illegal for a reason. They put pedestrians going about their daily business in danger, particularly when ridden through busy areas at high speeds.

“The law is very clear that unless you are in a trial scheme area on an official rented e-scooter, they are illegal to ride in public. There are no such trial schemes anywhere in Wiltshire.

“We acknowledge that there is some confusion about the laws around these modes of transport, which is why we are running an awareness phase to educate both riders and buyers of the vehicles, such as parents, of the law surrounding them.

“If you’re seen on one by officers, expect to be stopped and have it seized – and as they are uninsurable, you won’t be able to get it back.”

Pictured: An e-scooter