Britons warned of new law changes affecting driving licences and electric scooters
The rules are set to be introduced on December 5
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Incoming electric scooter rules will be a “sensible addition” according to one expert, who urged riders to brush up on their knowledge of the Highway Code.
The rules are being introduced to crack down on antisocial behaviour which has been increasing in recent years, resulting in a number of accidents.
Riders must also submit a photo of the front of their driving licence under the new minimum standards of verification.
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As part of the rules, e-scooter operators must also act and ensure they have robust systems in place to capture and store the information when required.
According to GOV.UK, operators must share the information with the police if they have been requested to do so.
Reacting to the plans, Ben Pepper, Senior Associate in the Personal Injury Claims Team at Bolt Burdon, said it would benefit most road users.
He added: "A new driving licence verification procedure sounds like a sensible additional to the e-scooter trial requirements.
“It will help ensure that those using the rental e-scooters have the appropriate licence and therefore experience on the road and knowledge of the Highway Code.
“It could also help locate riders, for example, those who are involved in collisions."
Licence checking software must be used to check the validity of all driving licences submitted from the December 5 deadline.
Operators also have the responsibility to provide in-app messaging that states e-scooter rules clearly, including the relevant age limit and that they need a valid driving licence.
Trials of electric scooters are now underway in 23 regions across England, with many private e-scooters also being seen across the UK.
The original e-scooter trial deadline was November 30, 2021, but was extended three times as a result of the popularity of the scheme.
The first extension was agreed to collect more data following the coronavirus pandemic, while the second included updated guidance.
The trials are now set to end on May 31, 2024, which will allow the Government to reflect on further analysis or evidence that may be needed.
According to the Government: “The extension to May 2024 is not an opportunity to increase the scope of the trials by allowing new areas to participate or by increasing the number of e-scooters.
“Trials should continue in their current form where this is possible. We will keep this under review throughout the extension.”
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E-scooter trials are expected to continue until May 31, 2024
PA
Privately owned e-scooters will continue to be illegal unless they meet requirements that otherwise apply to motor vehicles.