Eleven e-scooters have been crushed after being seized by police in Hampshire as part of a crackdown on illegal use.

Officers from across Test Valley carried out a targeted week of action from September 30 to October 6, to tackle e-scooter riders committing traffic offences in Romsey and Andover.

Police sergeant Stuart Harris, of the Test Valley priority crime team said: “We are aware that the use of these vehicles illegally is a concern to our communities.

“There have been a number of incidents across the country where riders have been injured or killed due to careless riding of e-scooters, and we are hoping this week has educated people on how to safely and legally use them.

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“E-scooters still can only legally be used on public roads if they are part of a rental scheme.

“E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988, so this means the rules that apply to motor vehicles, also apply to e-scooters including the need to have a licence, insurance and tax.”

He added: “It's not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters, which means it's illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces.”