Dudley Council has backed a new crackdown on e-scooter misuse following a serious collision involving an elderly pedestrian in Stourbridge.
A 73-year-old was knocked down by an e-scooter in Stourbridge's Market Street causing them to be hospitalised last year, prompting a motion from Liberal Democrat councillor Andrew Tromans.
The motion calls for stricter enforcement, public awareness and stronger partnership working to address the problem.
Councillor Tromans said: "I'm delighted that councillors from across the chamber recognised the importance of this issue and supported the motion.
"The incident involving a 73-year-old on Market Street showed just how serious the consequences can be when e-scooters are ridden irresponsibly.
"Nobody should be worried about being knocked over while walking through our town centres."
Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal to use on public roads, pavements and cycle lanes under current legislation.
Dudley currently has no such scheme in place.
Councillor Tromans stressed that the motion is aimed at dangerous and antisocial behaviour rather than responsible transport innovation.
He said: "This is about protecting pedestrians, particularly older residents, children and disabled people, while ensuring the law is properly enforced.
"We need a coordinated approach involving the council, West Midlands Police and our communities to tackle illegal riding before somebody suffers an even more serious injury.
"It is also vital that retailers play their part and advise customers accordingly about the legal usage of e-scooters."
The motion was developed with input from a resident following growing concern about dangerous e-scooter use across the borough.
Its approval signals the council’s commitment to pursuing stronger partnership working to address illegal and antisocial e-scooter use across Dudley borough.
E-scooter misuse is also being addressed through the borough’s Public Space Protection Order.
The motion's approval signals the Council's commitment to pursuing stronger partnership working to address illegal and antisocial e-scooter use across Dudley borough.
.
Share