New measures are to be introduced to help combat the use of nuisance vehicles across Gravesham.
Last night (Tuesday), it was agreed to introducea borough-wide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). This gives additional powers to council and police officers to take action against vehicles being used in an anti-social manner.
This includes cars, on and off-road motorcycles, quad bikes, electric scooters and e-bikes.
PSPOs place restrictions on people using areas they cover in an anti-social manner. Breaching one is a criminal offence and can lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice.
A report to members considered at last night’s full council meeting explained the introduction of the additional measures was supported by Kent Police and 90.3% of people who responded to a public consultation into the proposal held in December and January.
After the meeting, Cllr Deborah Croxton, cabinet member for Community and Leisure, said: “In recent years there has been a notable increase in reports of disturbance caused by nuisance vehicles and public concerns for the dangers that they pose.
“People have told us the issue can be so persistent it affects their quality of life, with some even citing a negative impact on their mental health, as well as the physical danger posed by some vehicle users.
“The root causes of the problem vary depending on where you live in the borough. For those in the more rural areas, off-road bikes can be a concern, while on the edge of built-up areas we know there are issues with the way cars are driven. And, of course, in our town centres we know there are serious concerns over inconsiderate riding of electric scooters and e-bikes. That’s why this new PSPO covers the entire borough.”
Members were told that the use of e-scooters on private land is legal but for public use, they are treated in the same way as cars and it is illegal to ride them on pavements, footpaths, in cycle lanes and in pedestrianised zones.
To lawfully ride an e-scooter on public roads, the e-scooter must display licence plates, have indicators and rear lights and the rider must be insured, with the only exception being where Government-approved trials are being carried out.
Cllr Croxton added: “This is not just about enforcement. We will work to educate as widely as possible on the legal position governing the use of e-scooters, including working with local schools, colleges and businesses.
“However, we need the public’s support when it comes to enforcement.
“We cannot be everywhere all of the time, and I would ask members of the public who have concerns over incidents of anti-social vehicle use to contact us immediately and, if it is safe to do so, record evidence to help us identify those responsible.”