EIGHTEEN e-scooter riders were issued with warnings during an operation by Dorset Police - as they urged people to remember they run the risk of prosecution if they ride on public land.

Dorset Police has issued a stark warning to riders of privately owned e-scooters that it is illegal to ride them on roads, pavements, cycle lanes, beach promenades, bridleways or any publicly accessible land, such as parks and car parks.

On July 1, officers took to the streets of Bournemouth and issued 18 riders with first warnings. They now risk being reported for traffic offences and having their e-scooter seized if they are stopped riding it illegally again.

In Poole and Bournemouth, the government has permitted an e-scooter rental scheme trial to take place, where riders can hire an e-scooter and ride legally. Privately owned e-scooters are not part of this trial.

Concerned about the safety of the rider, pedestrians and other road users, Sergeant Rhys Griffiths said: "E-scooters have become a real issue for some local residents and complaints about improper use have increased among our communities.

"We are also seeing more people riding them as a result of the government trials taking place. However, it still remains illegal to ride a privately owned e-scooter on any public land including pavements, roads and promenades.

"Riders could be committing an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and, if used on the pavement, the Highway Act 1835. In short, unless you’ve hired the e-scooter through a government approved trial scheme you are not allowed to ride it on public land."

Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset David Sidwick said: "The use of e-scooters has shot up over the last few months and I know from talking to members of the public that a lot of people are very concerned about them – particularly when they’re ridden along pavements and cycle lanes.

"I’m very pleased to see Dorset Police taking proactive steps to tell riders exactly where and how they are allowed to use their e-scooters. This advice is very clear and there should be no excuse for anyone riding one of these scooters illegally anywhere in our county.

"I’d also like to echo the warning given by officers that if anyone persists in using their e-scooter on public land, the device could be seized, and they could be prosecuted."