Bridgwater Central Accountability Tracker- E Scooters

“Published exclusively for campaign subscribers. Access Level: SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE” UPDATED 23.10.26

Case Ref: Contact ES3 Filed: 27th September 2026

The Questions asked:

Sent a polite follow-up noting that we are well into the autumn term and asking for emerging figures or progress reports on local stops and youth engagement to reassure residents.
Police Response:
Police Inspector responded reporting recent illness and absence from work and will be sending a response shortly.

Case Ref: Contact ES2 Filed: 12th August 2026

The Questions asked:

Targeted Action: Will the Bridgwater Neighbourhood Policing Team schedule a visible, targeted enforcement operation outside high-footfall spots like Northgate Primary School and Fore Street this autumn?
Local Data & Reporting: Can the local team publish specific Bridgwater seizure and warning statistics on social media and at Town Council forums so residents can see action being taken?
Joint Working: Will your office facilitate direct dialogue between the local Neighbourhood Inspector and Somerset Council's Community Safety team for town centre enforcement?

Police Response:

Confirmed discussions with the local Neighbourhood Sergeant and announced that dedicated enforcement operations are planned for Bridgwater during the autumn period.
Acknowledged that youths often fail to stop for officers (prompting exploration of court action for failing to stop).
Agreed to feed back the request for local social media update stats and confirmed ongoing partnership work with Somerset Councillors.

My response back:

Welcomed the planned autumn operations and the commitment to local communication updates.

Case Ref: ES1 Filed: 11th August 2026

The Questions asked and proposal for action on illegal e-scooters in Bridgwater Town Centre:

The Problem: Submitted a proposal highlighting that Bridgwater is outside legal trial areas, making all private e-scooters on public roads and pavements illegal. Emphasized the severe safety hazards around pedestrian areas, high streets, and Northgate Primary School gates—citing near-misses involving cars and vulnerable pedestrians, lack of insurance, and an absence of visible deterrence.

The 3-Phase Action Plan Proposed:

Phase 1 (Targeted Warnings): Deploy PCSOs and officers to high-footfall areas like Fore Street and school zones to distribute seizure warning leaflets.
Phase 2 (Days of Action): Conduct coordinated joint operations using Section 59 powers to immediately confiscate illegal private e-scooters driven on pavements or highways.
Phase 3 (Publicised Deterrents): Publish concrete confiscation figures and media footage of seized units being crushed to rebuild public confidence and deter illegal ownership.
Appeal: Called on Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody to back local teams with visible enforcement to align with high street revitalisation and civic safety goals.

Police Response:

Acknowledged that illegal e-scooter use causes real community harm, but stated that a small number of officers facing high summer emergency demands cannot dedicate resources full-time.
Noted that exact seizure numbers are not tracked force-wide, though officers do seize illegal vehicles where laws allow.
Emphasised that solving the issue requires multi-agency support from local councils and manufacturers.

My response back:

Challenged the framing of illegal e-scooters as a minor background issue, pointing out the immediate physical danger to pedestrians on pavements and near schools.
Pushed back on the lack of local data, arguing that targeted "days of action" during school drop-offs require minimal resources for maximum deterrence.
Noted that local councils lack statutory powers to stop and seize vehicles, making police action essential, and reiterated requests for an autumn operation, local stats, and joint working.