NUISANCE e-scooters are the target of a police campaign as officers remind riders they are illegal on public roads.

Officers from Evesham Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) are launching an educational campaign reminding people the use of electric scooters is illegal on public roads.

The move – in partnership with Wychavon Council - follows on from community concerns in the district where people have been seen using e-scooters on the streets.

Though you can lawfully buy an e-scooter, they are currently illegal to use on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes and pedestrian-only areas so e-scooters can only be ridden on private land with the permission of the landowner.

Evesham SNT has this week begun handing out 500 educational leaflets, designed and printed by Wychavon Council, with advice on them about the laws surrounding the use of powered transporters.

They have been printed up in English, Albanian, Bulgarian, and Polish so different members of the community can understand them.

Officers will also be engaging with school children in special assemblies at town schools as well as writing to head teachers about the laws.

Police Sergeant Duncan Eades of Evesham SNT said: “We are educating the community following concerns about the use of e-scooters on public roads which is illegal.

“Our aim is to remind people of the laws surrounding their use and engage with people at first before we move on to enforcement, hopefully this way everyone will have the opportunity to adjust to the rules before we must police them.

“Those caught using could get a £300 fine and six penalty points for driving with no insurance, a £100 fine and three penalty points for driving with no licence or be charged with drink driving, using a mobile phone while driving and failing to stop at a red light too.”

Councillor Rob Adams, executive board member for stronger communities, culture and sport on Wychavon District Council, said: “There is a lot of concern about the anti-social use of e-scooters on public roads and pavements so we’re delighted to be able to support the Evesham Safer Neighbourhood Team to help educate the public about the laws around their use and provide people with the opportunity to use them legally and safely.”

People are reminded that anyone found using them in public areas risks having the e-scooter seized by the police.

They could also get a £300 fine and six penalty points for driving with no insurance and a £100 fine and three penalty points for driving with no licence.