Information
FOI 27072021-1 Information about E-Scooters
Question
I wish to raise my concerns regarding the use of e scooters in Northampton. I know there is currently a trial of these scooters in Northampton by those provide by Voi Scooters. My concern is how they are being used and what action if any is being taken by the police to enforce the law concerning their use. I have seen so many being used on the pavements and driven by what seems to be very young people in a very hazardous manner. It is very common to see up to two riders and sometimes three on scooter.
The use of private scooters on roads on pavements is also a concern as these are not covered by the trial and are totally illegal. I have not seen any enforcement by the police regading these scooters.
Can you tell me how many scooters have been confiscated and how many fines have been issued regarding e scooters in the county.
Answer
I have spoken to my colleagues in Northamptonshire Police in relation to your enquiry about me how many scooters have been confiscated and how many fines have been issued regarding e scooters in the county as this is not information the Office of the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner holds.
Over the past four years, the number of Fixed Penalty Notice fines given to e-scooter users were as follows:
2017 – 0
2018 – 0
2019 – 0
2020 – 0
2021 – 0
Northamptonshire Police does not hold any information in relation to fines issued at court. That is because information on fines and convictions i.e. Results at Court, are held by Her Majesty’s Court Service. For details on how to make a Freedom of Information request to Her Majesty’s Court Service please use the following link:
The total number of e-scooters seized by Northamptonshire Police for either No Insurance, under the Police Reform Act or due to being used in crime were as follows:
2019 – 0
2020 – 10
1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021 – 9
Northamptonshire Police have produced some proactive advice for E-Scooter users which can viewed on their website at:
Advice on e-scooter usage | Northamptonshire Police (northants.police.uk)
Safety reminder for summer scooter riding | Northamptonshire Police (northants.police.uk)
There has also been some media coverage of where Northamptonshire Police have been involved in incidents which involved e-scooters which you may find interesting:
If you are dissatisfied with the handling of your request, you have the right to ask for an internal review. Internal review requests should be submitted within two months of the date of receipt of the response to your original letter and should be addressed to: Nicci Marzec, Monitoring Officer, Office of the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Darby House, Darby Close, Park Farm Industrial Estate, Wellingborough. NN8 6GS. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.
If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review, you have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF.
