CONCERNS over illegal e-bikes and e-scooters on Eastbourne’s streets have been raised in Parliament, with MP Josh Babarinde calling for stronger enforcement to protect pedestrians.
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Terminus Road, Kings Drive and the seafront were among the locations highlighted by the Liberal Democrat MP during a parliamentary debate this morning (October 21).
Mr Babarinde urged the Government to address illegal and dangerous use, warning that it risks undermining efforts to encourage active travel and damaging the reputation of responsible users.
Figures cited showed Sussex Police recorded a 53.7% rise in reports of illegal e-bike and e-scooter use in the year to June. The force also seized 321 vehicles between January and July.
The figures cover Sussex as a whole, while Mr Babarinde highlighted specific concerns about public safety in Eastbourne.
During the debate, he pointed to examples of good practice overseas and called for lessons to be learned from how other countries regulate the sector and tackle dangerous behaviour.
He also asked the Minister to commit to meeting Sussex Police representatives to discuss strengthening enforcement in Eastbourne and across the county.
Speaking after the debate, Mr Babarinde said: “I’m a proud supporter of active travel and want to see more people walking, wheeling and cycling as part of their everyday journeys.
“However, a recent increase in the use of illegal and dangerous e-bikes and e-scooters risks undermining that progress, putting pedestrians at risk and giving responsible users a bad name.
“Residents in Eastbourne deserve to feel safe on our streets. That’s why I have made it clear to the Government that we need to ensure these vehicles are properly enforced and give our police the tools they need to take action”.
