POLICE mounted an operation in Grays town centre today (Thursday, 12 August) and seized a number of electric scooters, taking their young riders back to their parents.

Officers from the Grays town centre team were responding to a report of youths riding e-scooters through The Mall shopping centre.

Three juvenile males were detained and returned to their parents with words of advice given.

A fourth juvenile male was detained outside of Grays train station as he was riding his scooter towards the pedestrianised area. He was also returned to a guardian for words of advice.

A statement from police says: "We know this is a polarising topic amongst you all. We are not here to catch people out, particularly teenagers, children, or their unsuspecting parents who have purchased e-scooters as gifts.

"We want to engage and help raise awareness of the current laws around privately-owned e-scooters.

"We will take enforcement action if there's evidence of anti-social behaviour being committed on e-scooters, or if these vehicles are being used in other criminal activities such as robberies.

"We know that e-scooters have environmental and cost-saving benefits, but they must be used within the law.

"Most privately-owned e-scooters are toys that have been adapted with a motor, but they are not roadworthy.

"To ride an e-scooter on public land, the rider requires a driving licence (Class Q entitlement), insurance and must be 16 years or over. Currently, e-scooters cannot be insured, so this makes it illegal to ride one in public areas.

"Any privately-owned e-scooter being used in public can be seized under S.165 of the Road Traffic Act.

"If suitable, adult riders can be reported for no insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a driving licence.

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