Police officers cracking down on "reckless" cyclists and e-scooter riders have been issuing fines and warnings in Southend High Street.
The city's community policing team have been out on the High Street to enforce tough new rules after complaints about reckless cyclists and the illegal riding of e-scooters.
This includes an incident earlier this year where a child was knocked over by an e-scooter rider and left injured.
Southend Council introduced the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in 2019, and it was renewed last year to include two additional restrictions to allow fines to be issued to people cycling or using e-scooters in a way which has a negative effect or poses a risk to pedestrians.
New signs have been installed around the city centre to warn cyclists and e-scooter users that riding their bikes on the High Street and anywhere in the PSPO area is prohibited.
Breaching the PSPO could land riders with a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN).
Eleven officers from the town centre team – including three on pedal cycles – were joined by five council community safety officers, and two business improvement district (BID) rangers, to raise awareness of the rules.
Over the course of an afternoon and evening, they stopped 19 people for breaching the PSPO, took their details and gave them warnings.
Three people were issued with FPNs after deciding to ignore requests to stop riding.
The cycling restrictions do not apply to police officers or PCSOs who are on duty.
Sergeant Steve Wells, of Southend's community policing team, said: “It’s clear that cycling and e-scooters in the pedestrianised areas of city centre have become a significant frustration for everyone. We’re aware of at least two incidents where young children have been knocked over by people on e-scooters.
“The new signage makes it clear what the rules are, but this operation was very much about engagement and educating people on the High Street about what they are allowed and not allowed to do.
“Our presence was very well received and there were numerous positive conversations and comments from members of the public.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel