Footage shows e-scooter riders driving dangerously close to bus

A bus firm has published footage of two people on an e-scooter driving dangerously close to the rear of one of their vehicles.

Borders Buses said the riders and other road users could have been seriously injured if the bus had had to brake suddenly.

They urged parents to speak to their children about road safety following the incident in Burnfoot, Hawick, last week.

Under the current law, e-scooters can only be legally used on private land and can be seized by police if used in public places.

In one video released by the bus firm, the front wheel of the scooter is seen within a couple of metres of the back of the bus.

Lee Young, operations manager at Borders Buses in Galashiels, said: "Watching the CCTV footage, it's clear how quickly this situation could have turned into a tragedy.

"A bus can weigh up to 20 tonnes and if it has to brake suddenly, anyone riding directly behind it has very little chance of stopping in time.

"We hope this footage serves as a powerful reminder that one split-second decision can have life-changing consequences."

He added: "We're asking parents and carers to speak to young people about using e-scooters responsibly and safely. No journey or moment of fun is worth risking a life."

Borders Buses said they had reported the incident to Police Scotland.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said their inquiries were at an early stage.

Earlier this year police in the north east of Scotland carried out a two-week crackdown on e-scooters and e-motorbikes.

They urged parents to stop their children riding e-scooters illegally, and warned that parents face a fine or points on their licence if children ride them illegally.