Essex Police has issued a stern warning to E-scooter riders and cyclists - you will be fined for riding in Southend High Street.

Southend Council’s community safety team and the Southend community policing team will be on the High Street tomorrow in a bid to crack down on reckless riding.

A Public Space Protection Order, which covers the high street, bans the use of electric scooters and bicycles - with culprits facing fines of up to £100. However there have still been a number of complaints from residents.

The teams aim to educate the public about the dangers of E-scooters and cycling in the high street, and will dish out fines to anyone deemed to be breaching the order.

James Courtenay,councillor responsible for community safety and public protection, said: “It’s clear that cycling and E-scooters in the pedestrianised areas of our city centre have become a significant frustration and a genuine worry for many people.

“We’re aware of at least two incidents where young children have been knocked over by people on E-scooters.

“The new signage makes it clear what the rules are, but this operation is very much about engagement and educating people on the high street about what they are allowed and not allowed to do. When we implement PSPOs across the city, we will also enforce them.

“The joint operation will also include police officers and PCSOs cycling on and around the High Street but please don’t give them a hard time for breaking the law because they will be on duty and the restrictions do not apply to them.”

Southend Council introduced the PSPO in 2019, and its renewal last year included two additional restrictions.

This allows fines to be issued to people cycling or using E-scooters in a way that has a negative effect or poses a risk to pedestrians.

In line with this, new signage has been installed around Southend city centre and all routes onto the High Street.

It serves to notify people that that cycling and e-scooting on the high street and anywhere in the PSPO area is prohibited.