A total of 11 e-scooters have been seized in Andover and Romsey as part of a crackdown on illegal use.

Officers from across the Test Valley district carried out a targeted week of action from Monday, September 30 to Sunday, October 6 to tackle e-scooter riders committing traffic offences. It comes as part of ongoing efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime in the district.

Throughout the week, officers seized and crushed 11 e-scooters in parts of Romsey and Andover. 

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Police Sergeant Stuart Harris, of the Test Valley Priority Crime Team said: “We are aware that the use of these vehicles illegally is a concern to our communities. There have been a number of incidents across the country where riders have been injured or killed due to careless riding of e-scooters, and we are hoping this week has educated people on how to safely and legally use them."

E-scooters still can only legally be used on public roads if they are part of a rental scheme. E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988, which means the rules that apply to motor vehicles, also apply to e-scooters including the need to have a licence, insurance and tax.

“It's not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters, which means it's illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces.

Police Sergeant Harris added a word of warning: “Although our week of action is over, we will continue to take reports of vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour seriously and will seize e-scooters seen to be committing crime.”