A COUNCILLOR reminded parents about dangers of allowing their children to use e-scooters on roads and pavements.

This follows a surge in usage after Christmas and collisions in the country that occured last year. 

It is currently illegal in the UK to use a privately owned electric scooter on public roads, pavements or cycle lanes.

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County Cllr Gordon Stewart who represents Prudhoe South said: "Many residents have raised concerns about witnessing young people of approximately middle or high school age riding scooters on busy roads with several near misses with parked and moving vehicles."

He added: "The young people are said to be travelling at high speeds and occasionally in the dark, the outcome of a collison could have tragic and possibly fatal consequences."

"I ask that parents become aware of the law in relation to e-scooters and also take action to ensure their children use them lawfully and reduce the dangers which are so obvious."

One resident who wished to remain anonymous, a young mother who lives in Prudhoe, said: "I see it happening a lot, children wearing dark clothing, riding the e-scooters at a high speed sometimes in groups, there are a lot of older people in the area who can not hear the scooters coming towards them."

She added: "The kids have no road sense, training or insurance and do not even wear helmets. If they want to ride them that's great but not on public roads."