BUSINESSES selling e-scooters are being called on by Wrexham police to ensure people know the laws around them.

The Leader reported recently on the stark warning given by Wrexham Sergeant David Smith in relation to the vehicles.

He and his colleagues have been working to prevent serious injury and death by raising awareness of where and when people are legally permitted to use them.

An awareness initiative on the matter comes to an end this weekend.

Sgt Smith said: "There is a misconception about e-scooters, because some areas like Chester are running a trial where you can use them as long as you have a driving license.

"But here in North Wales, you can't ride them unless you're on private land and with the landowner's consent.

"We are seeing adults and children using them right across the town - using phones, going through red lights, going on pavements and with several people on at once.

"There have unfortunately been some deaths nationally through the use of e-scooters and we want to prevent that in Wrexham."

Sgt Smith said currently, his team is trying to educate e-scooter users on the law rather than just going straight to enforcement.

He said: "We appreciate these are expensive and we are trying to give people the opportunity to learn.

"But if it comes to a point where enforcement is the only option, you can't claim ignorance to the law when we're doing all of this awareness."

PCSOs Andy Harris and Jon Massie were in the town centre handing out information on Wednesday.

The team has been trying to engage with retailers who sell the vehicles.

Sgt Smith added: "Anywhere they are selling these scooters, we are trying to get them to give out stickers and awareness "We are trying to get local retailers on board, as well as the public, to get this message out there and we would like to see businesses pledge to support this.

"They should be speaking to people about the law around e-scooters.

"It's not just about making money - it's about people's lives.

"They have a duty of care as well."