MALDON police are adopting a policy of explaining the rules to parents of children riding e-scooters before taking other action.

A meeting was told of the policy on Monday, July 19.

In the meeting Special Constable Bryan Trigg said: "We're tackling the e-scooter issue with under-16s by telling the parents of children riding them in public about the rules, so it is taken back home and the young person isn't criminalised.

"But if it happens again, then that's a different matter."

Essex Police launched a campaign last month aimed at educating owners and riders of privately-owned e-scooters about the current legislation - and taking enforcement action where necessary especially where there is evidence of antisocial behaviour.

The police said that its overarching aim is to keep everyone safe on regional roads and footpaths.

Use of privately-owned e-scooters on roads or in public places is illegal and they can be confiscated by police and riders may also face prosecution for 'using a motor vehicle without insurance or the appropriate licence'.

And there is not currently a scheme in the Maldon district area for hiring them, as there is in other parts of Essex.

E-scooters are categorised as 'powered transporters' which are legally defined as a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Therefore, the rules that apply to motor vehicles also apply to e-scooters and users must have a valid driving licence and valid insurance.

However, it is not currently possible to get appropriate insurance for privately owned e-scooters.

This means they cannot be used on the road or in public places legally.

For more information about the current legislation visit the Essex Police website at https://bit.ly/3hRYVcQ.