I regularly hear from residents issues relating to antisocial driving and cycling.
Whether this be noisy vehicles disrupting neighbourhoods late at night, riders speeding along pavements, or dangerous behaviour on our roads, these incidents truly have a real impact on how safe people feel in their communities.
Devon & Cornwall Police are taking action to address these concerns. Recently, officers carried out Operation Hyssop in Plymouth, a targeted enforcement operation aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour, vehicle theft and the illegal use of modified e-bikes, e-scooters and mopeds. During the operation, officers seized seven illegally modified e-bikes, including one capable of speeds of up to 80mph, seized five mopeds being used antisocially or without insurance, recovered two stolen vehicles and made five arrests for offences including theft, driving while disqualified and drink or drug driving.
This activity forms part of ongoing work across Devon and Cornwall to tackle dangerous and antisocial riding, disrupt criminality and keep communities safe. Similar enforcement operations have taken place in Exeter, Torquay, Falmouth, Camborne and St Austell in response to concerns raised by residents.
In recent years, we’ve seen a rapid increase in the popularity of e-scooters, e-bikes and other electric-powered vehicles. These transport methods offer significant eco-friendly advantages, and many people do use them responsibly and legally as a practical way to travel. However, concerns are growing about a minority of riders who are putting themselves and others at risk through dangerous and antisocial behaviour.
Too often, people tell us about e-scooters being ridden on pavements, electric bikes travelling at excessive speeds through busy public spaces, and modified vehicles being used recklessly on roads, particularly in residential areas. This behaviour can be intimidating for pedestrians, particularly older people, families with young children and those with mobility issues. No one should feel unsafe simply walking through their town or neighbourhood.
What is important to understand is that not all electric-powered vehicles are the same. Legitimate e-bikes that meet legal requirements can be used responsibly as a sustainable and accessible form of transport. Problems arise when vehicles are modified, used illegally, or ridden in a way that threatens the safety of others.
It is also essential to be clear about the law surrounding e-scooters. Many people are surprised to learn that privately owned e-scooters cannot be legally used on public roads, cycle lanes, roads or in any public place. They can only be ridden on private land, having gained permission of the landowner prior. The only exception is for authorised rental e-scooters operating as part of approved Government trial schemes in designated areas across Devon and Cornwall, such as in Plymouth where e-scooters have recently joined the existing Beryl e-bike scheme.
The consequences of illegal or dangerous use of electronic-powered vehicles can be serious. A rider travelling at high speed without the proper safety equipment is not only endangering members of the public but also putting themselves at significant risk. Just because a vehicle is smaller than a car does not mean a collision cannot result in serious injury.
These operations demonstrate that concerns raised by communities are being listened to and acted upon. Police continue to target the illegal and dangerous use of electric-powered vehicles through proactive patrols, vehicle seizures, enforcement activity and partnership working across the force area.
This work is taking place because communities are reporting concerns. Information provided by residents helps police identify hotspots, understand emerging issues and direct resources where they are needed most. Every report helps build a clearer picture of the challenges local people are facing.
Alongside enforcement, education has an important role to play. Parents and guardians should take the time to understand the rules around electric vehicles before purchasing them for young people. While some products may be freely available to buy, that does not automatically mean they can be used legally on public roads or pavements. Understanding the differences between legal e-bikes, private e-scooters, modified electric vehicles and electric motorcycles is vital.
That is why I would encourage anyone considering using an e-bike or e-scooter to familiarise themselves with the law and to make use of the excellent guidance available through Vision Zero South West https://visionzerosouthwest.co.uk/and the Government’s own information resources.
Most importantly, we all have a role to play in creating safer communities. Respect for others, consideration for pedestrians and responsible use of our roads and public spaces benefits everyone.
If you witness dangerous or antisocial riding, please report it. In an emergency, always call 999. For non-emergency incidents, I would encourage residents to use the reporting tools available on the Devon & Cornwall Police website, including the dedicated antisocial behaviour reporting form. These reports help police build a picture of where problems are occurring, identify hotspots and target enforcement activity where it is needed most. For those who are unable to report online, information can also be provided through 101.
Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighbourhood. By working together, educating ourselves and taking action where necessary, we can ensure that our roads, pavements and public spaces remain safe and welcoming for all.