Electric scooters have been banned from busy areas of Dartford town centre as part of a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).

Dartford’s renewed order is designed to protect people and businesses from anti-social behaviour.

This new PSPO goes a step further than it previous measures, criminalising e-scooters in busy, pedestrianised zones.

Those found riding an e-scooter on High Street, Market Place or Lowfield Street - up to the junction with Market Street - could face a maximum £100 fixed penalty notice.

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Breaching a Public Spaces Protection Order is a criminal offence, and could carry an additional penalty if the matter goes to court.

The Town Centre PSPO was first introduced by Dartford in 2017 to tackle various types of anti-social behaviour.

The updated order continues to penalise behaviours including littering, threatening behaviour, and urinating or defecating, unless in a toilet facility.

The PSPO also prohibits the consumption of alcohol, excluding licenced premises, and intoxicating substances within the area.

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Leader of Dartford Borough Council Jeremy Kite, said: "We’re not the kind of Council to see easy pickings in fines.

"This PSPO is about responding to the things people tell us they care about, that make our town centre safer and better for everyone."

Cllr Kite added: "They might have their benefits elsewhere, but we need to think about the dangers they pose to vulnerable people who have sight or mobility issues.

"We want to keep our town centre a safe place where businesses can thrive and people can enjoy themselves, and this renewed PSPO is another step towards preserving that environment."