E-Scooter rider stopped by police travelling along a busy motorway
A 50-year-old man has been fined by police after being caught riding an e-scooter down a busy motorway in what is believed to be the first case of its kind.
The rider was pulled over by stunned officers on the southbound carriageway the M3 in Hampshire near Eastleigh after being spotted travelling along on the electric machine.
E-scooters are illegal to use on public roads because they do not have number plates, rear brake lights or any signalling system.
Even if they were allowed on roads however, no vehicles below 50cc are permitted on motorways.
In July a motorist was stopped riding the wrong way along the M11 motorway after his car ran out of petrol.
But this is thought to be the first time a rider has been stopped for deliberately making a journey on a motorway.
Traffic officers who spotted the rider traveling down a sliproad, managed to pull him over onto the hard shoulder after a short distance.
He was given a fine, had six penalty points added to his driving licence and also had the scooter seized because it was uninsured.
Hampshire Constabulary reminded road users that e-scooters remain illegal to use on public roads and footpaths.
Writing on the force's Twitter account, officers said: "Unbelievably the rider of this e-scooter thought it was ok to ride on the M3 near #eastleigh... yes, the motorway!
"They have been issued with a fine, 6 points on their driving licence and the scooter seized for no insurance.
"Just a reminder that they are illegal to use on public roads and footpaths unless rented as part of the trial zones.
"You risk getting points, fine and your scooter being seized if used illegally."
The Government is currently conducting a trial of electric scooters rental fleets in cities across the country with a view to legalisation.
It was reported last week that e-scooters could even be fitted with number plates after warnings that antisocial behaviour related to their use is on the rise.
