E-scooters seized during police crackdown in Dartford High Street
Published: 15:48, 07 June 2024
Ten e-scooters have been seized from a town centre after their use was restricted at the start of the year.
Police were deployed in Dartford High Street to inform residents about the updated Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in the town last week.
They were joined by cadets and staff representing Dartford Council.
The PSPO has been in place in the town centre since 2017 and was introduced to tackle anti-social behaviour.
It was amended in February this year to include a restriction on riding e-scooters in the main pedestrian area of the town centre.
The order can be enforced by council staff as well as police officers.
During the event, ten e-scooters were seized after officers saw them being ridden illegally.
Police officers issued six traffic offence reports to some of the riders alongside council staff who issued five fixed penalty notices for breaching the PSPO.
Members of the public were able to talk to them about local issues over the two days.
Dartford Community Safety Unit Inspector Lee Cheesman said: “It is illegal to use e-scooters in public spaces and not only poses a danger to members of the public but can also cause injury to the rider.
‘Kent Police continues to work with partner agencies to ensure that Dartford remains a safe, pleasant and vibrant town to visit, and we will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour.
“We will continue to take a robust stance on anyone intent on causing issues in the town.”
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Charlotte Phillips