Copeland MP Trudy Harrison has been urged to take action on e-scooters ahead of Christmas.

The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety has written to Mrs Harrison, who is a transport minister, raising concerns about private use of e-scooters which could be bought as Christmas presents.

In the letter, David Davies, executive director of PACTS, said: "As Christmas approaches, some people will be considering buying an e-scooter for themselves or their loved ones.

“They may not be aware that use of private e-scooters is almost entirely illegal in the UK, or they may have the impression that the law will not be enforced.

"In light of the deaths and serious head injuries that have arisen, the hazards to pedestrians, the enforcement problem for the police and the risks to scooter riders, I am writing to you to take swift action."

Mr Davies called for a 'clear warning' to be issued to retailers that they must inform customers of risks.

He also asked for information to be distributed to the public on the illegality of using private e-scooters on public roads, and the potential for fines and penalties if caught.

And Mr Davies also encouraged Mrs Harrison to publically back police enforcement action if necessary.

“Information from the Bicycle Association suggests that over 350,000 e-scooters had been sold by the end of October 2021, almost as many as were sold in the whole of 2020," he added.

"We are aware of at least nine deaths on e-scooters to date this year, all on privately owned vehicles.

"We have had useful discussions with your officials and we will endeavour to work constructively with them if the government seeks to legalise use of private e-scooters."