A MAJOR operation to tackle illegal e-scooter use saw 11 riders stopped and one man arrested in Southampton.

Hampshire police have been targeting riders as part of a week-long operation.

On Shirley High Street and Portswood Road officers spoke with 11 people alone.

On Tuesday, they dished out nine warning letters to private e-scooter owners .

A 43-year-old man was also arrested in Portswood Road on suspicion of drug driving and failing to provide a specimen.

He has been released under investigation.

Sergeant Dave Hazlett, of the Road Safety Unit, said: "During the three days, we have been out engaging with riders of e-scooters and raising the awareness that privately-owned e-scooters cannot be used on public roads or on pathways.

"We appreciate that people are often trying to use them as part of a more economical and sustainable form of transport, however, they are still classed as a motor vehicle and cannot used on the roads as the law currently stands.

"If a person is seen using one illegally, then they do receive a formal warning. If they are seen again, then they can be issued with a fine, receive points on their licence and have the scooter seized.

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"Increasingly, we are also seeing e-scooters being used to facilitate other criminality as well, and we want to ensure we are able to protect our communities."

It is currently only legal to ride a licensed e-scooter in the UK, with Voi being the main provider in Southampton.

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Southampton City Council says e-scooters can not exceed 10mph and their top speed is dictated by where it is being ridden. Across the city there are ‘no-ride’ and ‘slow-speed’ zones.

Civic chiefs also stress that privately-owned, unregulated e-scooters remain illegal, except on private land.