Police in Dartford have taken decisive action against illegal e-scooter use in the town centre, confiscating ten e-scooters ridden unlawfully. The seizures occurred during a public outreach event held on May 29 and 31, where officers collaborated with Dartford Council to raise awareness about the updated Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).
The PSPO, originally introduced in 2017 to address anti-social behaviour, was amended in February 2024 to prohibit e-scooters in Dartford’s main pedestrian areas. Enforcement powers have been granted to both council staff and Kent Police to uphold the new regulations.
During the outreach days, Kent Police issued six traffic offence reports related to illegal e-scooter use. Additionally, the council issued five fixed penalty notices for breaches of the PSPO. In total, ten e-scooters were seized from riders breaking the rules.
Inspector Lee Cheesman of the Dartford Community Safety Unit emphasised the dangers of e-scooter use in public spaces, stating: “It is illegal to use e-scooters in public spaces and not only poses a danger to members of the public but can also cause injury to the rider. Kent Police continues to work with partner agencies to ensure that Dartford remains a safe, pleasant and vibrant town to visit, and we will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour. We will continue to take a robust stance on anyone intent on causing issues in the town.”
The outreach event aimed to educate both residents and visitors about the updated PSPO to help keep Dartford safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Originally published by UKNIP.
