Dudley Council is preparing to outlaw e-scooters in shopping areas as part of a major crackdown on riders who are causing serious problems for residents.
At a full council gathering on 13 July, elected members gave their backing to a Notice of Motion submitted by Liberal Democrat councillor Andrew Tromans, which brought into sharp focus the hazards associated with the unlawful operation of these machines.
Across the country, roughly one million e-scooters are estimated to be in use, with the vast majority belonging to private individuals.
Councillor Tromans cited the example of a 73 year old pensioner who was struck by an e-scooter in Stourbridge, suffering serious bruising to her face, arm and leg.
He stated that the victim required hospital treatment and is still in recovery. Government statistics show that those injured in e-scooter incidents surpass 1,400 annually, with almost 500 sustaining major wounds and a number of deaths recorded each year.
Riding an e-scooter that is privately owned is prohibited everywhere except on private land, unless the vehicle is part of an approved rental programme.
No such rental programmes operate within the borough.
Councillor Ryan Priest agreed with these concerns, noting that a quick survey of most Dudley residents would reveal that many are unaware of the current rules. He observed that people readily purchase these devices for their children without knowing the legal restrictions.
The agreed motion calls on the council to assess the feasibility of introducing Public Spaces Protection Orders throughout town centres to prohibit the use of privately owned e-scooters. The authority has recently launched a tough anti-social behaviour strategy, including the use of aerial drones to observe individuals causing problems, with those breaching revised tenancy agreements potentially losing their council homes.
Councillor Simon Phipps, the cabinet member responsible for the economy and infrastructure, is supportive of legal e-scooter use, particularly in city centre locations, and has called for joint working between the police and council to pinpoint dangerous riders.
Councillor Phipps mentioned numerous incidents involving not just e-scooters but also troublemakers on electric bicycles wearing balaclavas. He noted there is no identifying registration plate and limited ways to trace riders, aside from the drone technology his colleagues have deployed for council purposes.
Council leader Councillor Patrick Harley cautioned council tenants about their responsibilities for household members’ conduct.
Councillor Harley stated that residents bear accountability for everyone in their home. The updated tenancy agreement is designed to complement the anti-social behaviour policy, enabling genuine enforcement.