Police will enforce repeated breaches of rules around e-scooter and e-bike use amid complaints that shoppers are being ‘nearly knocked over’ by irresponsible riders.

Neighbours have complained that people are dangerously riding e-scooters and e-bikes through the Woodley shopping precinct, a focal point of the town centre that links Headley Road to Crockhamwell Road.

Now, a spokesperson for Thames Valley Police has said that action will be taken against those who repeatedly break rules around the careless use of e-scooters and bikes.

The spokesperson said: “We are aware of reports of anti-social behaviour in Woodley town centre and we understand the disruption such behaviour can have on our local communities.

“We will be closely monitoring incidents of this nature and will take appropriate action.

“As the local neighbourhood team, we have run proactive operations specifically targeting electric bikes and electric scooters in Woodley town centre.

“We continue to educate individuals as we understand there is often confusion around using electric bikes and electric scooters in public spaces or public highways, but will enforce where there are repeated breaches or if there is evidence of anti-social behaviour too.

“We also support schools to help them explain to pupils and parents the restrictions on these machines as we are aware they have become a mainstream way of commuting to school.

“We continue to ask communities and businesses to report incidents of this nature to us as they occur by calling 101 or by reporting online via our website.”

Jane Michelle, who raised the issue to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said she had received ‘no response’ from leaders such as Matt Rodda and Matthew Barber, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for the Thames Valley.

Mr Rodda has said that he is “very concerned about the issue” and has called on the government to issue guidance on the legality of e-scooters in a letter to Richard Holden, the undersecretary of state for roads and local transport and the Conservative MP for North West Durham, sent on September 12.

He has also launched a survey to gauge residents’ concerns over e-scooter use on his website.

A town council meeting was held at The Oakwood Centre in Headley Road where the issue was discussed.

The meeting was attended by the PCC Mr Barber, Brian Fennelley, the Woodley town centre manager, councillors and other officials.

In an email to the LDRS, Mr Barber said the issue was first raised to him on September 25, and he has since been in correspondence with officers in the local policing area.

Mr Barber has asked Jason Hogg, the chief constable of Thames Valley Police to review its policy on enforcement around e-scooters.

He has pointed out that the force is increasing the number of neighbourhood officers this financial year, and he has suggested that Wokingham Borough Council look into preventative measures.

Councillor Ian Shenton, the executive member for transport and leisure (Liberal Democrats, Evendons) said that the precinct is for the use of pedestrians only but installing barriers would be inappropriate as it would prevent market stall holders from setting up, as well as mobility scooter users and emergency services.

Cllr Shenton added that enforcing the Precinct’s pedestrian-only rules is the responsibility of the police.