Thirty electric scooters have been seized in a town centre in just under two months.

Since December 10, police officers have been making checks in Maidstone after concerns were raised over the safety of riders and pedestrians, particularly the elderly.

It is illegal to use e-scooters on public streets, pavements, and cycle lanes. They are only allowed to be used on private land, with the landowner’s permission, as well as in trials.

Officers have stopped riders in Lower Stone Street, Palace Avenue, Tonbridge Road, Gabriel’s Hill, and King Street.

Eight e-scooters were also seized from Week Street, a pedestrianised area.

Seven of the total number have already been destroyed.

Maidstone chief inspector Mark McLellan said: “The dangerous, illegal, and inappropriate use of e-scooters can pose serious risks to the safety of older and vulnerable pedestrians, and they are also a hazard to other road users, such as cyclists and motorists.

“At the end of last year, our officers led a month-long campaign to raise awareness with the public about legislation surrounding the use of e-scooters.

“We are continuing to stop riders to give advice and reminders around the current legislation, and anyone who is found to have ignored previous warnings faces being fined and having their e-scooters seized and destroyed.”