More than 500 e-scooters have been confiscated from people in London during a week of enforcement action by Metropolitan Police officers.

Police say the week of action saw officers engage with members the public to explain guidance and enforce traffic legislation around the use of e-scooters. They say this work will continue as officers go about their regular duties.

The week of enforcement saw 507 e-scooters removed from London’s roads following proactive patrols across all boroughs. The week was triggered by the increased usage of uninsured e-scooters on London road networks.

Throughout the week of enforcement, officers targeted e-scooters, conducting stops, checking vehicle eligibility and seizing e-scooters that are being used illegally. This work will remain ongoing.

In addition to ensuring the safety of roads users, Police say it is a priority for officers to engage with e-scooter riders and the public, educating them on the law and enforcing it where necessary.

E-scooters are illegal when driven on public roads and pavements, cycle lanes and publicly accessible land, including parks and car parks.

Chief Superintendent Simon Ovens, OCU Commander for Roads and Transport Policing said: “Private use of e-scooters remains illegal on London roads. Riders using e-scooters on the road risk fines, points on their licence, and e-scooter seizures if they continue to use them on public road networks.”

The safety of e-scooters has come into question with a series of injuries and at least one death involving riders or pedestrians, while leading newspaper columnist Peter Hitchens has told the Highways Voices podcast they should be banned completely.

(Picture – Metropolitan Police)