“We want to take these dangerous machines off our streets for good” – Commissioner joins police operation to crackdown on illegal e-scooters and e-bikes

“We want to take these dangerous machines off our streets for good” – Commissioner joins police operation to crackdown on illegal e-scooters and e-bikes

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has warned illegal e-scooter and e-bike riders in Surrey that their machines will be seized and destroyed after joining a new police operation to crackdown on their use.

The Commissioner accompanied officers on a dedicated patrol in Surrey Heath on Halloween as part of Operation Scramble which sees police teams target hot-spot areas.

From November 1, a new procedure for e-scooters, illegal e-bikes, e-motorcycles and unregistered off-road motorcycles came into effect in Surrey with a ‘no returns’ approach for vehicles seized by police.

That means where police officers catch e-scooters and e-bikes being used unlawfully on the county’s roads and public spaces – they will be taken away and destroyed.

Before the operation began in October, Surrey Police had already seized 136 e-bikes and e-scooters so far this year and seen two collisions leading to serious injury in the county involving e-scooters, and three road traffic accidents involving e-bikes. 

E-bikes must meet strict legal requirements to be ridden in public and e-scooters are illegal to use in public, unless through an authorised rental scheme.

There are no e-scooter rental schemes in Surrey which means if you see an e-scooter being ridden on one of our roads or pavements anywhere in the county, it is being done so illegally.

During the Policing Your Community events throughout the summer, residents consistently said that illegal e-bikes and e-scooters were causing problems in their towns and villages across Surrey.

PCC Lisa Townsend, said of the operation: " E-bikes and e-scooters pose a significant threat to innocent motorists and pedestrians when used illegally or irresponsibly and we know their use can often be linked to wider criminal activity.

“Residents have told me in some areas they have been left some fearful to walk in our town centres because of illegal riding of these vehicles.

“That is simply not acceptable which is why I fully support this operation getting tough on those using these machines.

"This operation will continue over the coming months right across the county and where our officers find them and seize them - they will be sent for immediate destruction. 

“The message is clear - illegal e-bikes and e-scooters are not welcome in Surrey and we want to take them off our streets for good.

“These high-powered machines can be incredibly dangerous when ridden in public places and residents across the county have told me they have had enough. 

"That is why our police teams are getting tough on their reckless use in our communities. From now on if you are caught riding one in Surrey, it will be seized and you won't be getting it back." 

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