Winchester News Online
E-Scooter: How Safe Are They?
E-Scooters: a convenient and cheap way to move around the city, preferred by many over buses and trains. Many say that e-scooters offer a freer way to travel short distances without being confined to bus stops and unnecessary delays.
‘The problem’, says a victim involved in an e-scooter accidents, ‘is that many don’t actually know how to use these scooters, causing danger to not only them, but pedestrians as well.’ Anybody with a valid UK driving licence can rent one out, without much of a hassle.
In Great Britain in 2024, there were 1,312 collisions involving e-scooters, resulting in roughly 1390 casualties including 444 serious injuries.
1096 of those were e-scooter users, while pedestrians accounted for more than 200 other casualties.
One of those victims, Megan, a Southampton resident, says she was hit by an e-scooter while crossing the street last year.
‘It happened quickly and I didn’t have time to react,’ she recalls.
She was left with minor injuries; however, she said, ‘the shock was worse than the injury itself’. She claims she was ‘lucky’ to not suffer any more serious injuries as one pedestrian passed away due to the collision.
‘I just think people who get on them should be more careful’.
For Megan, that’s the message she wants people to take away.
While e-scooters continue to offer a quick and affordable way to travel, she believes greater care and awareness could prevent similar incidents from happening to others.
Road safety campaigners echo that view, saying clearer guidance and better understanding of how to use e-scooters safely could reduce risks for everyone sharing public spaces.
As e-scooters become an increasingly visible part of city life, questions remain about how to balance convenience with safety, and whether enough is being done to protect pedestrians as their use continues to grow.
Winchester News Online
Police hunt man who threw chair and threatened shoppers
A man threw a chair and threatened bystanders in the centre of Gosport on Friday.
Police say the man, who was behaving aggressively, threw the chair on the ground and shouted threats at nearby shoppers before running away. No one was injured.
It happened just before noon, outside a Greggs Bakery on the High Street.
Hampshire Police say the man was white, bald and in his late 40s. He was wearing a baseball cap and a grey hoodie.
Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them.
Winchester News Online
Police officers injured during anti-migration rally
Twelve people were arrested after 350 anti-migrant protestors clashed with police overnight in Gosport following reports of a small boat landing in the area.
A small number of officers needed medical treatment following the protests near Walpole car park.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest, our position on this has been clear that we will investigate thoroughly and take robust action against anyone responsible.
“Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.”
Police had banned face coverings and had issued a dispersal order ahead of the protests across Gosport.
Those arrested were held on suspicion of assaulting officers or being drunk and disorderly.
The protest marks an increase in tensions within the UK after protests at Portsmouth, Taunton, Basingstoke and Glasgow in recent months.
Gosport Reform UK councilor Paul Carter told GB News: “If you think about this last night, no one really knew what was happening… I think a lot of people are really worried.”
Winchester News Online
Residents warned over closure of recycling centre
People in Romsey are being warned that the town’s recycling centre will be closing for a month for repairs.
The closure of Casbrook recycling centre will take place from 12 October to 12 November.
The council says that repairs are essential to keep the site safe, after heavy vehicles damaged the tarmac beneath waste containers.
Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s deputy leader, said: “We are investing in essential improvements to preserve the surface of Casbrook HWRC (Bunny Lane) and ensure the facility continues to serve residents safely and effectively for many years to come.
“I thank residents for their patience during these works and confirm that capacity is available at nearby HWRCs to ensure residents that usually use Bunny Lane, can still dispose of their waste during this time.”
Locals have been advised to use alternative centres in Winchester and Eastleigh while the repairs take place.
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