A concerned pensioner is calling for a police crackdown on e-scooter riders at a popular beauty spot after almost being hit.

Malcolm Edward Brooks says those using the electric vehicles along The Leas in Folkestone need to be better educated that it is illegal to do so on public paths.

Police insist they patrol the town regularly and stop and speak to e-scooter riders - and have urged parents to not let their children use them.

Mr Brooks, who lives on The Leas, says the clifftop promenade was busy with elderly people, dog walkers and families when he was almost crashed into on his daily walk.

The 79-year-old had moved over slightly to allow a man on a mobility scooter to pass when an e-scooter came up behind him at “an incredible pace”.

“I didn’t even know he was there,” he said.

“He virtually touched my shoulder. If I’d moved over another foot, he would’ve caught me right in the middle of the back - he wouldn't have been able to avoid me as he was going immensely fast.

“I just thought how lucky I was. The shock alone could have finished me off, but it really annoyed me immensely that somebody was stupid enough to do that when it was very busy.

“Someone is going to be killed with it, undoubtedly. If he hit anybody, it would do a lot of damage.

“And I’m not alone in that experience. Many elderly couples are in the same situation.

“It would be nice if the ban was enforced and people were educated that what they’re doing is illegal.”

Mr Brooks also fears a serious incident involving an e-scooter could make people too scared along The Leas. He thinks signs - which currently only say bikes, skateboards and rollerblades are banned - should be updated.

The law surrounding e-scooters is often misunderstood. While owning one is allowed, riding one on public highways, including pavements, is illegal, except in government-backed trials.

Previously, Kent County Council pioneered a move with transport tech firm Bird to add e-scooters to Canterbury city centre, which was initially heralded as an innovative way to help tackle climate change and poor air quality in the city.

However, concerns were repeatedly raised over safety. In July 2022, 80-year-old Sarah Carter suffered a broken wrist, jaw and cheekbone after she was struck by one of the electric vehicles being ridden on a pavement in the city.

After two years, the partnership ended in what was described as “a good day for Canterbury” by one of its many critics concerned about the potential danger to other road users.

A Folkestone and Hythe District Council spokesperson said this week: “E-scooters can only be used on private land and not on public roads, cycle lanes or pavements.

“Any near-misses or concerns about e-scooter use in the district should be reported to the police.”

Police also confirmed fines can be issued to riders.

Sergeant Paula Cutter of Folkestone Community Safety Unit said: “It is currently against the law to use e-scooters on public streets, pavements or cycle lanes.

“They are only permitted on private land, with the landowner's permission, and in parts of the country where the government has permitted trials.

“I urge people not to buy or use e-scooters as they may be dangerous to you or others, and I also strongly encourage parents not to let their children use them.

“Beat officers in Folkestone regularly stop and speak to people they see using e-scooters, seeking to educate them about the law surrounding their use.

“When people are seen riding e-scooters in an anti-social manner, we can issue Fixed Penalty Notices and seize and destroy the machines.”