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More must be done to tackle an ‘endemic’ of e-scooter and e-bike crimes and anti-social behaviour, says the politician responsible for policing in Preston and Lancashire.
Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw has written to the Home Secretary saying ‘national action’ is needed.
Commissioner Grunshaw said: “The illegal use of bikes, quads and e-scooters is the top issue that members of the public raise with me every day. Its endemic and the police need more powers to deal with it.
“This issue highlights what I’ve always said – that Government legislation needs to be based on the unique community needs faced by individual areas, to deliver policing that best serves the public and keeps them safe.
“It’s only by focusing how laws are enacted on the needs of different areas, that we will best deliver what residents want to see, more bobbies on the beat and investment in neighbourhood policing.
“It is also vital that we get the basics right when it comes to call handling, response times, investigations, keeping victims informed and bringing offenders to justice. These are all areas I will continue to monitor through my accountability board with the Chief Constable.
“As the public’s voice in policing, I will continue to lobby for stronger laws and ensure that every measure taken is used to deliver the best possible policing service for the people of Lancashire.”
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Last month a takeaway delivery driver was found on the M6 near Preston – having taken to the motorway on his e-bike.
The current law on e-bikes and e-scooters is you do not need a licence to ride one and there is no need for them to be registered, taxed or insured but it must be classed as an ‘electronically assisted pedal cycle’.
Commissioner Grunshaw says there needs to be specific offences and stronger punishments for illegal riding of the bikes – where they have been modified in particular.
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