PCC wants 'clear guidance' in new e-scooter laws

A police and crime commissioner says any new e-scooter laws must come with a "clear and enforceable framework".

The government has said it intends to make changes to the rules, with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander admitting that the "genie is out of the bottle" when it comes to their use.

John Campion, who oversees the West Mercia police force, said he agreed with that assessment but that "clear national guidance will be essential" both for the public and for the police who have to enforce the new laws.

He also said there was the growing issue of e-scooters being modified for unsafe speeds, being ridden without safety gear and being used by criminals, including drug dealers.

Speaking to BBC Politics Midlands earlier this month, Alexander said new laws would set clear rules on where privately owned e-scooters could be used.

She also said regulations covering speed limits and safety requirements - such as lights and working brakes - would be introduced "as soon as parliamentary time becomes available".

The use of privately owned e-scooters is currently illegal on public roads in the West Mercia area.

Despite this, Campion said that in the last five years there had been one death and 11 serious injuries involving them.

Over the same period, he said 95 e‑scooters and e-bikes had been seized and scrapped.

He agreed new laws were needed but urged the government to work with the police, road safety charities and industry experts in drafting them.

Lawmakers must consider how new rules would be realistically enforceable, he said.

Campion said he expected any new laws to bring "operational challenges for policing", so guidance for the policing of the new laws must be included in the new legislation.

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