Police in Reading have carried out checks at shops from major brands to ensure they are selling e-scooters with proper legal guidance. 

E-scooters are currently illegal to use on public roads and pavements - but they are legal to use with permission on private land. 

Now plain clothes officers have visited major retailers such as Halfords and Curry's to ensure staff and signage are correctly keeping customers informed. 

In a statement online, a spokesperson from Thames Valley Police said: "Yesterday, Reading carried out some checks in plain clothes at stores that sell e-scooters so check if they are being transparent about the legalities of using them.

"We were pleased to see that Halfords, Argos and Curry's all displayed clear signage that they are illegal to use on public roads, which includes the pavement and that message was reinforced by staff when checked."

The issue of e-scooter use divided comments responding to the post online.

One resident said: "Should've banned their sale altogether until legislation had been brought in regulating their use - including mandatory insurance and registration. Same for e-bikes."

But another thought they should be seen as a replacement for cars. 

They said: """Unpopular opinion, I think e-scooter should become a transport of choice instead of cars, most of us would get to work a lot quicker and cheaper."