Residents Raise Safety Concerns Over E-Scooter Use Near Aberdare Bus Station

Concerns are mounting among Aberdare residents over the use of electric scooters near the town’s bus station, with several people describing near-misses involving buses, cars and pedestrians in recent days.

Multiple residents say they have witnessed young riders weaving between buses as they pull in and out of the station, sometimes without checking for traffic. Similar incidents have reportedly been seen elsewhere in the town centre, including outside a supermarket, in a fast-food drive-thru car park, and through the indoor market — despite signage asking riders to dismount.

One driver described a rider crossing directly in front of her car without stopping to look, while a taxi driver said a rider had stepped off the kerb in front of their vehicle. Others reported riders swearing at drivers and bus staff after near-collisions, and said the group’s behaviour has left some people feeling intimidated while waiting at the station.

Residents also raised concerns about helmet use, noting that riders have not been seen wearing any protective equipment.

Community reaction has been divided. Some residents called for greater parental oversight, arguing that parents should be more aware of what their children are doing and better able to intervene. Others pushed back on that framing, pointing out that many parents work long hours and cannot supervise older children constantly, and that peer pressure can play a role in risky behaviour that parents may not be aware of.

Several commenters called for a stronger police presence at the bus station, questioning why existing CCTV coverage has not led to more visible enforcement. It was also noted that electric scooters remain illegal for use on public roads and pavements in the UK under current legislation, a point several residents raised in calling for confiscation of the vehicles.

One resident pointed to a separate, earlier incident in which the archways at the bus station were closed off after cyclists using the area caused injury to an elderly pedestrian, suggesting the area has a history of safety issues involving young riders.

Local authorities have not yet issued a public statement in response to the recent concerns raised by residents.

This article is based on eyewitness accounts shared by members of the public on social media and has not been independently verified. Anyone with concerns about dangerous or illegal e-scooter use is encouraged to report it to South Wales Police via 101, or 999 in an emergency.

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