Readers have blasted “nuisance” e-scooter riders amid a surge of injuries in Hertfordshire, questioning why police do not crack down on the rule flouters more often.

It comes after figures from the Department of Transport show that there were 23 injures recorded in Hertfordshire from e-scooter crashes in 2021 – compared to just seven injuries in 2020.

READ ALSO: Surge in e-scooter crashes and injuries in Hertfordshire

In response, many readers commented how they were not surprised by the surge of injuries, stating it has been a common problem for a while.

Angelina Murphy wrote: “I saw a man with his daughter riding around on one and then literally got on the road to go around the Dome roundabout to get on St Albans Road southbound, (he) decided that wasn’t going to work so reversed back to the pavements and went through Asda car park to skip traffic.”

Watford Observer: Police say they will often try to stop and engage with e-scooter riders. Credit: PAPolice say they will often try to stop and engage with e-scooter riders. Credit: PA

She claims that he was caught by PCSOs and written up.

Roderick Cutler said that he believes the method of transport is prone to accidents and added: “It’s already a quagmire, which will only get worse once they are made legal”.

Over the past two years, the Watford Observer has noted many moments when private e-scooter riders would go past officers in the town without being stopped, questioned or punished.

Questioned about this, a spokesperson said that officers will “always seek to engage and educate where possible”.

Watford Observer: E-scooter usage in the public is illegal in Hertfordshire. Credit: PAE-scooter usage in the public is illegal in Hertfordshire. Credit: PA

The force added that the focus is engaging with people and making them aware of the law regarding e-scooters.

“When necessary, for example if someone is a repeat offender, if they are involved in criminal activity, if they fail to stop or if someone refuses to engage with officers, officers may seize the e-scooter or prosecute the offender.”

After forwarding several complaints over, the spokesperson said: “We want to reassure residents that we take their concerns seriously and we will continue to carry out proactive operations where operational demand allows.”

Officers also engage with retailers that sell the machines to assure they advise customers it cannot be ridden in public.

With no approved e-scooter trials in Hertfordshire, the force has pledged to prevent the illegal use of it in the county.