A fast withdrawal casino can process a payment within minutes and recent advancements in the casino industry’s ability to payout instantly has led punters to seek out the best instant withdrawal casinos.
We have evaluated the best fast payout casino options for UK bettors, assessing factors such as withdrawal speeds, processing times, verification policies and payment methods to help readers choose the ideal quick withdrawal casino for them.
What is a Fast Withdrawal Casino?
A fast withdrawal casino is an online gambling platform that processes payout requests in less time than most casinos, often within 24 hours on a working day, and in many cases, within just a few hours.
The exact speed will depend on the payment method you choose, but leading instant withdrawal casinos aim to remove unnecessary delays and streamline the entire transaction process.
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The race to be the best casino instant withdrawal option has been heating up in recent months, with several online casinos adopting Fast Funds and Pay By Bank services from major banking branches, meaning they can send funds to a bettor’s account in a matter of minutes.
These services have overtaken PayPal, Apple Pay and similar payment providers as the fastest withdrawal options at some online casinos, while others have removed some e-wallets altogether from their banking section.
Our guide steers bettors in the right direction on which withdrawal option is fastest and where to find their preferred payment service.
Casino
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Fastest Withdrawal Time
Fastest Withdrawal method(s)
Minimum Withdrawal
Verified Payout Time
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MrQ
Instant
Debit card, PayPal & bank transfer
£10
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4 minutes
Bet365
Instant
Apple Pay
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£5
10 minutes
Grosvenor
Instant
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PayPal, debit card, Apple Pay & bank transfer
£5
15 minutes
Betfair Casino
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Instant
Pay By Bank, debit card & Apple Pay
£5
1 hour
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Ladbrokes
Instant
Pay By Bank, debit card
£5
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90 minutes
O’Reels Casino
Instant
Debit card, Apple Pay
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£10
110 minutes
MrQ
Fastest payout method: Debit card, PayPal & bank transfer
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Typical processing time: Instant
Minimum withdrawal: £10
Maximum withdrawal: £10,000
Welcome offer: 200 free spins
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The fastest payout methods on MrQ are debit card, PayPal and bank transfers (The Independent)
Lots of instant withdrawal casino sites promise payments will be completed in minutes, but very few operators are willing to put their money where their mouth is. All except MrQ.
They only have a small pool of payment options, but guarantee that all payments will be made instantly, or they will issue bettors with a £10 casino bonus in compensation.
MrQ are also a pay by mobile casino, but doesn’t offer withdrawals using this method, as explained in the excellent information pack available on payment options.
Some of the information does need updating, but bettors will find enough to give them a clear idea on what to expect when using MrQ.
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Pros
✓ Guarantee instant bank transfers or a £10 casino bonus
✓ Payment system well laid out and easy to understand
Cons
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✗ Fewer options for withdrawals than some competitors
✗ Minimum withdrawal limit could be lower
Bet365
Fastest payout method: Apple Pay
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Typical processing time: Instant
Minimum withdrawal: £5
Maximum withdrawal: Up to £50,000, depending on method
Welcome offer: Up to 500 free spins
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Bet365 ranks among the best options for a secure online casino with fast withdrawal options, and it offers one of the widest ranges of accepted withdrawal methods on the market, with several options available for instant withdrawals.
Apple Pay users will find that this online casino pledges to process withdrawals in a matter of minutes, and they can also unlock the bet365 welcome offer with an Apple Pay deposit. The withdrawal limit of £20,000 using Apple Pay should satisfy most high rollers too.
Away from Apple Pay, Bet365 have other speedy withdrawal methods, with all other processed within four hours. That includes PayPal, Trustly and Paysafecard, with bet365 one of a handful of Paysafecard casinos to allow bettors to make withdrawals.
Pros
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✓ Offer one of the biggest collections of fast withdrawal options
✓ Apple Pay instant withdrawals will suit users of casino apps
✓ Withdrawals from £5
Cons
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✗ Google Pay and Skrill not accepted
Grosvenor
Fastest payout method: Debit card, Apple Pay, instant bank transfer & PayPal
Typical processing time: Instant
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Minimum withdrawal: £5
Maximum withdrawal: £30,000
Welcome offer: Deposit £20, play with £40
The minimum withdrawal is a very favourable £5 on Grosvenor (The Independent)
No fast withdrawal casino has as many instant options as Grosvenor. The UK casino claims that nearly all withdrawals are processed instantly and should appear in a bettor’s account within 15 minutes.
That service is available using debit cards with fast withdrawals, Apple Pay, PayPal and instant bank transfer service, with the latter available at all major UK banks.
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Withdrawal limits at Grosvenor should suit all types of bettors and the majority of fast withdrawal methods can be used to unlock the Grosvenor sign-up offer, with the exception of PayPal.
The sign-up offer isn’t as good as some of those available at rival online casinos, with the £20 casino bonus and £20 deposit needed to unlock the welcome bonus carrying 10x wagering requirements.
However, Grosvenor makes up for that with daily offers for existing customers, a great selection of casino games, and, most importantly for those seeking fast withdrawals, a good selection of banking options offering instant payments.
Betfair Casino
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Fastest payout method: Pay By Bank, debit card & Apple Pay
Betfair are one of the top casinos for responsible gambling messaging (The Independent)
Betfair could be the best online casino with instant withdrawal options, depending on a player’s preferences, with three instant options.
Withdrawals made via debit cards tend to be slower than those made via other methods, but all Visa and participating Mastercard card users can expect instant withdrawals from Betfair.
Pay by bank instant withdrawals are also available on Betfair, while Apple Pay is the third casino fast withdrawal option. There are plenty of other methods bettors can use to make a withdrawal, and most transfer requests are processed in four to 24 hours.
All payment options are eligible for the Betfair casino welcome bonus, making Betfair one of the most flexible online casinos around when it comes to real money transactions.
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Pros
✓ Pledge to process the majority of withdrawals instantly
✓ Wide range of withdrawal methods on offer
✓ All payment methods eligible for welcome bonus
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Cons
✗ Some withdrawal methods are slower than competitors
✗ Payment information could be more concise
Ladbrokes Casino
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Fastest payout method: Pay by Bank
Typical processing time: Instant
Minimum withdrawal: £5
Maximum withdrawal: No published maximum
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Welcome offer: Bet £10, get a £30 casino bonus
The fastest payout method on Ladbrokes is Pay by Bank (The Independent)
Ladbrokes is one of the most well-established names in UK gambling and continues to perform at a high level, offering instant payouts via Pay By Bank, while transfers using e-wallets and debit cards are completed within hours.
Ladbrokes have steadily improved payment speeds, with debit card transfers taking around four hours if the user’s bank provides the fast funds service. Withdrawals using PayPal are expected to take around eight hours to complete, which is a little slower than some rival casino sites.
Ladbrokes’ withdrawal limits are noteworthy too as they are one of only a handful of online casinos to allow withdrawals from as little as £5.
Pros
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✓ Great selection of fast payout options
✓ Withdrawals from £5
✓ Payment system well laid out and easy to understand
Cons
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✗ E-wallet withdrawals can take longer than some rivals
✗ Can’t make withdrawals with all deposit methods
O’Reels
Fastest payout method: Debit card, Apple Pay, PayPal
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Typical processing time: Under four hours
Minimum withdrawal: £10
Maximum withdrawal: £10,000
Welcome offer: 100% welcome bonus
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The typical withdrawal processing time on O’Reels Casino is under four hours (O’Reels Casino)
O’Reels, one of the latest releases from the Betable Group, claims to process over half of all withdrawal requests instantly, with the other half being completed in around four hours.
During our review, it took over an hour for our withdrawal to arrive, but given that it takes the majority of online casinos the best part of a day to process a withdrawal request, this is still pretty quick.
There’s a good selection of payment methods available on O’Reels, but they could give more information on which are the faster withdrawal options, as this isn’t entirely clear.
Pros
✓ Majority of payments completed in under four hours
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✓ Good choice of payment options
✓ Large withdrawal limit
Cons
✗ More information on withdrawals is needed
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✗ Can’t make withdrawals with all deposit methods
Below is a list of all the casinos that can complete a payment in under one hour. These casinos have been tested and we will continue to keep this list updated for all those looking for under one hour withdrawal casino sites.
Casino
Verified withdrawal time
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Payment method(s)
Bet365
0-5 minutes
Apple Pay
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MrQ
Instant (weekdays)
Bank transfer, PayPal
Sky Vegas
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Under 1 hour
Pay by bank
Betfair
Instant
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Bank transfer
William Hill
Under 30 minutes
Bank transfer, Visa fast funds
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Casumo
Instant
PayPal, Apple Pay, Skrill
Betfred
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Under 1 hour
Visa fast funds
Grosvenor
Under 15 minutes
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Visa fast funds, Apple Pay, bank transfer
There are some small differences between a fast withdrawal casino and an instant withdrawal casino: ‘instant’ withdrawals are understood to be those processed in 15 minutes or less. At the same time, ‘fast’ withdrawals are usually thought to be anything under an hour.
The average UK withdrawal speed across all casinos is typically between 12 and 24 hours. That is due to some casinos now processing payments instantly, while others require 1 to 3 business days.
UK-licensed casinos must follow strict identity and anti-fraud regulations from the UK Gambling Commission, meaning even instant withdrawal casinos must carry out verification checks before releasing funds.
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To that end, users should complete all KYC checks before making withdrawals to enjoy the full benefits of a fast casino withdrawal.
In this section, we provide additional details on the fastest withdrawal methods available at UK online casinos.
Note that Fast Funds and Pay By Bank methods are much quicker than traditional debit card and bank transfer options.
Trustly
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Processing times: 10 minutes – 24 hours
Withdrawal limits: £10 – £10,000
Instant transfers are available with Trustly, with no bank details needed and limits between £10 and £10,000. However, not a huge number of fast payout online casinos accept Trustly.
PayPal
Processing times: Instant – 24 hours
Withdrawal limits: £5 – £30,000
Some operators offer PayPal casino instant withdrawal options, and this method is more widely accepted than rival e-wallets. However, recently some major online gambling outlets, such as Betfred, have removed PayPal from their list of accepted payment options.
Apple Pay
Processing times: Instant – 24 hours
Withdrawal limits: £5 – £40,000
Mobile casino users will be delighted by the way some online casinos have embraced Apple Pay, and, to a lesser extent, Google Pay. Withdrawals can be made with just a few taps on mobile and the limits have increased to cater to more bettors.
Visa/Mastercard Fast Funds
Processing times: 30 minutes – 4 hours
Withdrawal limits: £5 – £20,000
Old debit card payments can take between 1-3 working days. Fast funds can see payments reach a user’s account in under an hour. Nearly all Visa debit card providers and some Mastercard providers now offer this function.
Pay By Bank
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Processing times: Instant – 1 hour
Withdrawal limits: £10 – £100,000
Bank transfer was formerly the slowest kind of withdrawal, taking up to a week at times to reach a user’s account. Pay By Bank has transformed this option now with bettor’s still getting the high security and option to make large withdrawals that came with a traditional bank transfer, only with funds arriving in a matter of minutes.
We use a range of criteria to evaluate each fast withdrawal casino, independently testing each of our recommended operators to confirm that they meet our expectations in terms of payouts, licensing and overall player experience.
UKGC licensing: Only licensed and regulated fast withdrawal casinos are recommended. Never use an online casino that doesn’t have a UK Gambling Commission license, or a payment method not accepted on licensed casinos, such as credit cards.
Payment method testing: We test fast payment methods to verify any claims they make over withdrawal times.
Transparency of terms: Choosing a fast withdrawal casino is much easier when an operator gives you information on the banking options available, how to use them and the expected deposit and withdrawal times.
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Player experience: To give us a better insight into instant withdrawal casinos, we check Trustpilot and Reddit to see if fast withdrawal casinos live up to their name when used by punters.
Simple KYC process: We make sure KYC checks can be completed smoothly and without causing a huge inconvenience to the user. The best fast withdrawal casino provide assistance to bettors during the KYC process.
Responsible gambling compliance: Fast withdrawal casinos must comply with responsible gambling guidelines to be recommended.
Even at a fast payout casino, some withdrawals can get held up for various reasons. However, any hold-ups tend to be caused by routine checks or human error, rather than technical problems, and can easily be avoided.
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Common reasons for payment delays include:
Account verification (KYC): UK-licensed casinos must verify a player’s identity before processing withdrawals. To avoid any delays, complete the KYC steps during sign-up.
Anti-Money Laundering: All licensed casinos are required to follow strict anti-money laundering regulations. This may require checks on the source of funds or account activity.
Payment method alterations: Many casinos require withdrawals to be made using the same method as the deposit, which can slow down the process if an alternative is selected.
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Active bonus wagering: Any outstanding wagering requirements must be completed before funds can be released.
Timing of the request: Some online casinos don’t process withdrawal requests at certain times of the day, or outside of usual business hours.
Large withdrawal amounts: Higher-value payouts are often subject to additional internal checks.
Whatever gambling platform you’re using, it’s important to remember to take a safe and balanced approach to gambling online.
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Setting personal limits and sticking to them can help you stay in control. Never gamble more than you can afford to lose, and when the fun stops, stop.
The most reputable instant withdrawal casino sites in the UK offer built-in safety tools, such as deposit caps, cooling-off periods, and full self-exclusion options.
These features make it easier to manage your bankroll, take breaks when needed, and ensure gambling remains fun. Remember not to get too carried away by free bet offers or casino bonuses.
If you start to feel gambling is affecting you negatively, reach out to support services like GamCare or BeGambleAware for confidential help.
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Prince Harry is believed to want his father to stand alongside him at next summer’s Invictus Games.
King Charles has reportedly received an olive branch from his son, 41, in the form of an invitation to the multi-sport event, held in Birmingham.
The games’ organisers are likely to either invite the King to the opening or closing ceremony as well as some of the sporting spectacles where he will get the chance to meet competitors.
Harry met the King alongside his wife Meghan and the couple’s two children, Archie and Lilibet, and the Duke of Sussex is thought to be buoyed by the reunion.
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Queen Camilla was also present at the Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire when father and son exchanged words in what was the first public in-person meeting in four years.
Charles, 77, has scarcely seen his grandchildren since Harry and Meghan withdrew from their royal roles in 2020 and headed to the US permanently.
And the Duke of Sussex is keen to broker further meetings with his father in a bid to get him to spend more time with Archie and Lilibet, the Mirror reports.
One source said: ‘Next year is a big deal for Harry. He is determined the Birmingham Games will be the best ever. It would mean the world to him to have his father there.’
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Prince Harry cheers while participating at last month’s 1 Year To Go event ahead of 2027’s Invictus Games. He is believed to want his father to stand alongside him at next year’s Games
King Charles, pictured with Queen Camilla last month, has reportedly received an olive branch from his son, 41, in the form of an invitation to the multi-sport event, held in Birmingham
A reunion in the West Midlands in 2027 could prove a large step towards complete reconciliation between the pair after a severe deterioration in relations over the last five years.
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Further sources indicated the King would be enthusiastic about seeing his grandchildren again.
Harry is patron and founder of the Invictus Games and is open about the event being close to his heart.
The Daily Mail has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.
The Duke of Sussex was last month feeling ‘really energised’ after his long-awaited visit to meet his father.
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Harry and his family are believed to have met the King and Queen between 3.30pm and 4pm, remaining with the couple for more than an hour.
The King is said to have been determined to see his grandchildren for the first time in four years during a week in which Harry suffered a crushing defeat in his privacy court case against the Daily Mail.
His wife Meghan Markle, who was famously accompanied down the aisle by her father-in-law the King on their wedding day in 2018, was also present after secretly flying the family to Britain.
Prince Harry pictured with Meghan, Lilibet and Archie. Harry is patron and founder of the Invictus Games
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Earlier in the day on Friday, there had been clues that something important was unfolding when Harry arrived at an engagement for the Invictus Games at the National Exhibition Centre, near Birmingham.
An observer said: ‘Harry turned up at Invictus with a massive smile plastered all over his face.’
Harry and Meghan, who quit as senior royals in 2020 and moved to California, have spoken about their wish to introduce their children to their British roots.
During a visit to Warwickshire, Harry said: ‘I love being here, this is the highlight of my month. Actually probably the last few months. It’s very easy to sit in your grief, to sit in your stress but, guys, if you are feeling it, share it.’
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Prince Harry ‘wants his father King Charles to stand alongside him at the Invictus Games’
The Brand New Day costume has been released as DLC for Spider-Man 2 (Sony Pictures via AP)
The Monday letters page speculates on the price of the Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake, as one reader asks why there’s never been an Assassin’s Creed set in Ancient Rome.
Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk
Brand new sequel With the world going crazy over the new Spider-Man movie it made me realise we haven’t heard anything about a third game from Sony, beyond a few small rumours. It’s obviously happening, for about a hundred different reasons, but I’m not sure why we haven’t had a tease about it yet.
We’ve got God Of War Laufey next spring and they seem to be setting up for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet for Christmas 2027 or early 2028. If Spider-Man 3 was coming out sooner than that we’d definitely have heard about it by now, so I guess that means it’s not till 2028 at the earliest?
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My guess would be that Sony is trying to decide whether or not to make it a PlayStation 6 launch game, which is probably quite difficult given I doubt they know when the console is coming out, given the component crisis and everything. They’ll be kicking themselves they didn’t have it out this year though. as coming off the film it would’ve sold even more. Korey
Long games Who’s playing both GTA 6 and Zelda: Ocarina Of Time? Why me, I am (will be). I enjoy a variety to my genres, but not those rougelikes, tower defence or deck builders, but otherwise I’m easy.
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Ocarina Of Time will be bought physical if possible and hopefully in line with Star Fox’s pricing. GTA will be bought using Microsoft reward points, of which I currently have 40,000-ish. Should be closer to 65/70 by the time it arrives, so that’s around 60 quid in rewards, which is one of the main reasons I’ve been mostly digital for the last few years. big boy bent
GC: Star Fox can be beaten in two hours; we wouldn’t look to that in terms of Ocarina Of Time pricing.
Turn the Valve With the recent success of the Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag remaster, I’d like to suggest more interesting games that could be worthy of a port and a moderate visual upgrade. I’d welcome the chance to play older PC games on the PlayStation 5. I’ve never fully embraced playing games on the PC, mostly because the computers that I’ve owned have never been overly powerful, and installing games on these machines has proved such a faff.
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I vaguely remember getting part way through the original Half-Life and also Half-Life 2, but those experiences were so long ago now that playing modernised ports of those games would be most welcome. Black & White also intrigued me back in the day, and I never got to play that. I’m sure there are countless other PC classics that would benefit from a console makeover.
I guess licensing makes this idea tricky to realise, and developers/publishers need the promise of a decent return. I suspect that all I really need is a Steam Machine and a lottery win to fund it. Michael Veal
GC: Valve has never been interested in consoles, and even less so now they make their own hardware.
No refund I don’t think Henry understands the difference between Steam and Sony. On their refund policy Steam will refund you back to your bank account, as in the way you paid for it. Whereas Sony’s refund policy is it goes in your PSN wallet not back in your bank. So if you pre-order a game on PlayStation Store and then you see a GC review giving it, say, 3/10 and you decide not to complete your purchases, not only is it a pain to cancel your pre-order but you never get your cash back in your hand. Sony keeps that money and gives you a credit note.
Also, Steam will allow you to play the game for up to two hours and if you request it they will give you your money back. Sony, on the other hand, as soon as the game has started to download it’s yours, even if you haven’t played one second of it you have bought that game. Well, I should say you have bought the licence to play it. And that’s the same for everything on PSN, whether it’s a game movie or TV show. Enjoy your purchases: no refund, no trade in. David
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Resist or serve I have some sympathy for Henry’s perspective in Friday’s inbox. It does feel like the wrong thing is being protested. If the issue is the terms for digital on PSN compared to Steam (and I think it is, primarily), then that’s what we should be pushing back on.
I appreciate that there are other benefits (and drawbacks) to discs – I still buy a few myself, but as the PC has been digital only for 15-20 years moving to digital-only is inevitable. What’s important is that we focus on making that environment the best we can, and I’m not sure that protesting digital-only is the best way to achieve that. We should make it about the terms and conditions. Matt (he_who_runs_away – PSN ID)
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GC: ‘We’ have no control over anything, only Sony does. That’s the underlying problem.
Returning champion My journey to attend the second appointment with Saros’s final boss was surprisingly abridged compared to the prolonged punishment of the end game in Returnal – where you had to beat that game, from start to finish, thrice in order to unlock the true ending.
It was bloody exhausting and, in hindsight, I still don’t think I fully understood the nebulous, Lynchian-like resolution to Selene’s harrowing existential nightmare! But the ending was vastly more interesting than Saros’s though.
From a strictly gameplay perspective however, Saros is an expertly crafted follow up to Returnal, the rougelite gameplay loop is as engaging and exhilarating as ever. I love how slick and speedy gruff protagonist Arjun is to control, and the shooting and movement feels space shuttle airtight.
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I admire the Ikaruga style dynamic between the shield and the bullets and powering up your auxiliary armament. Coupled with the ability to parry I’d quickly came to appreciate how the combat in Saros feels more layered and mechanically richer and more rewarding than Returnal.
And don’t get me started on how mesmeric the kaleidoscope of neon bullets are. I love the rush of needling through and gobbling up the sweeping, sprawling, swirling, swarming lurid orbs of death and coming out on top.
Or the sublime boss design – the Architect and Shepard vanguards were particular favourites. And how ingratiating and flexible the difficulty modifier system is without diluting the intrinsically hardcore nature of the beast.
Returnal’s more fragmented, fever dream-ish, Lovecraftian-esque premise is certainly more compelling and unique though, and I feel like the weapon balancing, soundtrack, and biome art design in Returnal was slightly better. Saros’s side characters also felt a little flat and ultimately superfluous to me.
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The smart rifle, crossbow and chakram family of guns are awesome to use though and perfectly illustrate how exceptional the weapon design is in general. Even down to the comparatively puny pistol you start off with.
I said it before and I’ll say it again: Housemarque deserve to be a household name in the gaming industry! GG
Veni, vidi, vici Why don’t Ubisoft make a new Assassins Creed game based on the Roman Empire. There are so many good stories and countries s to visit.
They could choose an interesting time period rather than making Hexe, which seems rather strange. Simon
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GC: A few of the games have danced around the edges of the setting but we suspect a game solely based in Ancient Rome is something Ubisoft is saving for a break glass in case of emergency moment. A Japanese game also took a long time to appear, given how long fans had been asking for it.
Tank controls I remember that it was the second Tomb Raider I first played, with the Venice setting at the beginning. And exploring Croft Manor with the butler following you constantly, as you trained yourself throughout the many rooms. Unfortunately though the problem I had started fairly early on, with the mechanics of the gameplay and controlling Lara Croft generally.
I was used to the early Resident Evil games for the PS1 originals, but they suited the game perfectly and made the game genuinely more terrifying because of these controls. This did not suit Tomb Raider and the complexity of navigating huge buildings and nature’s masterpieces was not the most fun thing I had ever done.
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I had definitely been spoilt by Super Mario 64 by then, from the previous year, and the fluidity and control of the game was so ingenious and smooth to control. With just a quick flick of the thumbstick, Mario had turned round and you continued to get Mario through the level with quick fun and insane feelings of controlling a next generation gaming character in its entirety.
I had to give up on the second Tomb Raider, unfortunately, as the lack of fun trying to use Lara’s acrobatic manoeuvres to do a climb and jump and somersault to high archways and wooden beams, was infuriating me. Shame really, as I missed out on some iconic games.
Luckily the new Tomb Raiders have got the controls sorted out now, using a fast flexibility you’d love to control, with Uncharted style graphics and puzzle-solving which are a joy to behold. So with the Legacy Of Atlantis coming out next year, and never having played the first game, I can experience the game and get back to exploring ancient temples and catacombs, possibly maybe taking them beyond Assassin’s Creed and Uncharted’s seal of quality. The anticipation and interest is there and I’m loving the current Netflix animation. Alucard
Inbox also-rans I would just like to point out that if you buy a £70 PSN gift card from ShopTo the physical version is about £1 to 3 cheaper, depending on what membership level you are. Convenience wins. Skill_Influx (PSN ID)
Ganon Theft Auto? Maybe it needs to be one word. Glock-arina? I don’t know. All the best. David
GC: The first one is pretty good; we may steal that.
The small print New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.
You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader’s Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.
You can also leave your comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.
I WAS born in York and I have never been ashamed of that fact.
And when I meet people on holiday who ask where I come from they all say: “What a lovely place to live”.
Well – it used to be, but not any more.
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The bar walls are a disgrace – uncut grass, weeds over growing, and in some places so much so that, at roundabouts, you cannot see the traffic coming.
I pay £150 a month council tax – what do the council spend it on and what do local councillors do at their meetings?
Name and address supplied
—
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Congratulations are due to swimmer Adam Ramsay-Peaty
MANY moons ago I attended a fly-tying lesson at Burnholme School, the guest celebrity being Henry Wharton born in Leeds but forever associated with York.
Henry is a boxing hero and a nice, pleasant, individual.
In conversation he spoke of how being ranked as number three super middleweight in boxing, and how he thought being third out of a world population of approximately 5.9 billion was quite an achievement.
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In Press letters, Peter Rickaby wrote about Adam Ramsay-Peaty finishing third in the Commonwealth Games, made up of 56 independent countries with a population 2.7 billion – nearly a third of the world’s population.
To my mind Adam Ramsay-Peaty finishing 3rd (at an age of 31) is a fantastic achievement.
Congratulations are in order Adam not criticism.
D M Deamer
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Penleys Grove Street
Monkgate, York
… HOW many column inches have been used to describe how a bronze medal winner feels (Adam Ramsay-Peaty)? Were the winners, if they were even named, given similar coverage?
R Shenton,
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Connaught Way,
York
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Feel strongly about an issue? Write us a letter. Please write no more than 250 words and you must provide your full name, address and mobile number. Send your views by email to: letters@thepress.co.uk
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Amy Cooper’s family described a ‘big hole’ in their lives where Amy should be
The family of an ‘unforgettable whirlwind’ woman has shared their story after she died in a crash in 2022. Amy Cooper was travelling on her motorbike near Holbeach, just over the border in Lincolnshire, when she was killed by an overtaking car.
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November 13, 2022, was a foggy day and Amy was riding her Kawasaki motorbike after spending an afternoon with friends. The driver of a BMW crossed to the wrong side of the road to overtake another vehicle driving sensibly in the foggy conditions – before hitting Amy, who had no chance to react.
Amy’s mum, Amanda, said: “She was thrown about 60 yards down the road. Her injuries were extensive. Her bike was embedded in the car. Her rucksack was found 20 feet up a tree.”
The driver of the BMW went to speak to Amy, but then called someone to be picked up and ‘disappeared’, Amy’s mum said. The driver of the vehicle that had been overtaken went to help Amy, as did someone who lived in a cottage nearby and several other drivers who stopped at the scene.
Paramedics looked after Amy and she was still alive when she reached the hospital. However, her injuries were devastating and her family had to say goodbye to her.
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In a new video about road safety, Amy’s family speak about how their lives were split in two forever when Amy was killed. Amanda said: “There’s just this big hole now where Amy should be. I keep going. I have family to care for. I need to go to work. Grief doesn’t pay the bills.
“But she’s never far from my thoughts. I can go along for a while being kind of numb and coping, but then every now and again, I still get this feeling of just despair and this sickness in the pit of my stomach, like somebody’s just kicked me; that this is real. She’s really not coming back.”
Amy’s sister, Sam, said telling her daughter about Amy’s death was the most difficult thing she has had to do in her life. “I’ll never forget that conversation,” Sam said. “I had just this crushing guilt that I need to introduce my 5-year-old to the concept of death and that her Auntie Amy, who she loved to pieces, has died and you’ll never see her again.”
Amy’s family are utterly determined to improve road safety. They are asking people to take more care on the roads and consider the devastation that can be caused in a split second.
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Sam said: “I want Amy’s legacy to be that somebody takes a moment and thinks what happened to her, you could so easily cause to happen to someone else. You could be the safest driver in the world – but it’s that one decision.
“You take that chance, and Amy could be coming in the other direction. Somebody’s Amy, your Amy, could be coming in that direction. And then that’s it. That’s somebody’s life over. That’s your whole life changed as well.”
Data from the Department for Transport has “ineffective observation” as the main factor leading to crashes. This was recorded in 53% of collisions attended by police.
Amanda added: “I just wish people would take a deep breath, step back and think, is it worth it? Do I really need to be there 30 seconds quicker? Is it worth risking that overtake when you can’t see what’s coming, whether there’s a bend, or a bridge, or the visibility is not great. It’s not worth it. That could be your child, that could be your partner, your friend that is killed or severely injured.”
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Amanda concluded: “She has been robbed of her whole adult life. It just is so unfair.”
Andy Burnham must ditch Labour‘s hard-Left workers’ rights reforms or risk sending Britain back to the 1970s, the Tories warned last night.
The swingeing changes will make it easier for unions to ballot for strikes, which could leave the country in a state of paralysis.
Keir Starmer‘s government passed the Employment Rights Act last December but some of its most damaging elements will only be implemented in the coming months.
These include ‘swipe to strike’ proposals allowing online balloting for industrial action. Opponents warn the change, due to come in on August 31, coupled with looser balloting requirements, could trigger a wave of disruptive walkouts.
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The measures also include doubling the time limit for most employment tribunal claims in the UK from three months to six months from October 1, while businesses face a raft of additional workplace obligations in the months ahead.
Critics say the package of reforms, spearheaded by Housing Secretary Angela Rayner before her resignation from Sir Keir’s government, threatens to saddle employers with extra costs and bureaucracy just as many are grappling with rising taxes, stubborn inflation and weak economic growth.
The layers of red tape come when entrepreneurship is already in decline, with new figures showing the number of new businesses has slumped close to the lowest level in a decade.
Andy Burnham pictured on a run in Manchester yesterday. Swingeing workers’ rights changes will make it easier for unions to ballot for strikes
Critics say the reforms, spearheaded by Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, pictured last month before her resignation from Sir Keir’s government, could saddle employers with extra costs
Tory business spokesman Andrew Griffith branded the threat of yet more pro-trade union regulations an attempt to return to the Seventies.
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Writing for this paper, he warned it will worsen the crisis of young people finding it impossible to find jobs. He said: ‘I hope Labour will see sense, pause the implementation of this mad Act, repeal it, and cancel our very expensive trip back to the 1970s.
‘If they don’t, Conservatives certainly will. We will repeal all the job-killing measures in the (Un)Employment Rights Act, and we will go further to curtail the power of the unions in the public and private sector by ending the scandal of paid-for trade union time on the taxpayer.’
The number of working days lost to strike action under Labour has surged past one million despite handing bumper pay hikes to its union paymasters. Under current laws, strikes are balloted privately in workers’ homes and must be completed and returned by post.
But this is set to change to allow workers to respond online, amid warnings it could lead to a rise of shop stewards intimidating staff to vote a certain way.
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Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has thrown down the gauntlet and called on Mr Burnham to ditch the hardline, job-destroying policies before it’s too late.
A suite of further rules and regulations is set to come into force throughout next year, including a major crackdown on zero-hours contracts that will force employees to be compensated for short-notice cancellations.
Unions will also be given the right to roam workplaces with 21 employees or more, as frequently as once a week, to recruit members and hold talks and meetings.
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And from October 30 this year, ministers are set to enact a ‘banter ban’ which will see pub landlords forced to police comments made by customers that could offend staff.
The law has already come under fire from former Labour Cabinet minister Alan Milburn, who was tasked by Sir Keir to come up with a solution to the youth unemployment crisis.
The PM must ditch Labour’s workers’ rights reforms or risk sending Britain back to the 1970s, Tories warned (Pictured: British Leyland workers from Longbridge plant demonstrate in 1979)
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Will easing strike laws and boosting union powers protect workers or threaten Britain’s economy?
His report warned: ‘Employment Rights Act reforms, while intended to strengthen worker protection, were seen by some employers as increasing the burden of managing underperformance and reducing flexibility.’
The Conservatives’ demands came as new figures revealed a damning slump in new business openings.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the first six months of 2026 saw 157,980 new businesses created, down 3 per cent on the same period last year. This is just above the lowest figure for the decade, set in 2023.
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A Government spokesman said: ‘We continue to consult with business and unions on implementation of the Employment Rights Act, to ensure the system is fair and effective for employers while protecting the workers who need it most.’
It is being run by the Journalists’ Charity, with support from its patron Camilla, to give young journalists working across print, broadcast, digital, and social media the opportunity to invest in their career development and overcome financial challenges to joining the industry.
Score-geous! Jude Bellingham embraces his heartthrob status with a slew of thirst trap snaps after earning millions more fans with his heroic World Cup efforts
He proved to be the Three Lions’ secret weapon at the 2026 World Cup, helping England to a third place finish by scoring seven goals.
Now Jude Bellingham, 23, is enjoying a well-earned rest with a holiday in Hawaii, sharing a slew of shirtless snaps while he lives it up with his girlfriend Ashlyn Castro.
The posts have gone down a treat with his newfound fans, after Jude-mania reached fever pitch this month when he was crowned England’s highest goalscorer in a single World Cup tournament.
Such was the public outpouring of love for Jude that it inspired a new viral trend: a Jude Bellingham lookalike contest.
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Yet there can only be one official Jude – and he’s been revelling in his heartthrob status with a slew of thirst traps of late.
Jude Bellingham has shared a slew of thirst trap snaps during his Hawaiian getaway after cementing his heartthrob status with his heroic World Cup efforts
Now Jude, 23, is enjoying a well earned rest with his girlfriend Ashlyn Castro
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Jude has been revelling in his heartthrob status with a slew of thirst traps of late.
Unfortunately for anyone with a bit of a crush on Jude, he is happily loved-up with American model Ashley, 28, who has unfairly been targeted with online hate from Jude’s mega fans.
‘She’s a gold digger,’ wrote one. ‘That’s why most of his fans don’t like her. Her entire goal is to be a Wag, it doesn’t matter to who.’
Ashlyn has hit back at the allegations, saying they are ‘disrespectful’ and completely untrue.
‘The only way these people know how to deal with it is by saying horrible things. It’s been hard for her, they were total lies.’
As for what the future holds, a source predicts wedding bells. ‘There is a real sense that Jude could pop the question soon.’
Indeed Ashlyn proved to be a supportive WAG this month, proudly cheering on Jude during all his World Cup games and when he was named man-of-the-match.
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Yet Jude’s World Cup appearance was not without controversy, as he furiously hit out at ‘shocking’ refereeing decisions after England’s World Cup semi-final heartbreak against Argentina.
He made a point of confronting Ismail Elfath – Lionel Messi’s favourite referee – to share his grievances after England’s 2-1 loss.
He shared shirtless snaps at the beach while playing a card game and enjoying snacks
Jude also showed off his bulging biceps in a vest, with the fashion forward star looking as stylish as ever in a black tank top and red scarf, adding a tweed flat cap
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Jude also sent fans wild back in May when he shared shirtless snaps on his holiday in Cannes
Jude’s younger brother Jobe also got in on the action, with the pair posing together for snaps
Unfortunately for anyone with a bit of a crush on Jude, he is happily loved-up with American model Ashley, 28, who has unfairly been targeted with online hate from Jude’s mega fans
Leandro Paredes and Enzo Fernandez were seen as particularly dirty in the opening exchanges of the match.
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Both teams came into the match with a heightened sense of rivalry after the South American side’s declarations throughout the tournament that the Falkland Islands belong to Argentina.
Fresh footage from the referee’s camera has been released by FIFA and in it, Jude is seen saying to the referee: ‘Some shocking ones there, but all the best.’
Jude later slapped Argentina rival Valentin Barco on the back of the head as scenes turned ugly in Atlanta.
In the build-up to the flashpoint, Spurs captain and Argentina defender Cristian Romero was seen goading Bellingham when the final whistle was blown.
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He went over to Valentin and slapped him on the back of the head.
The full-back then turned around and pushed Jude with tempers flaring. Nicolas Otamendi also came over and gave the England man a shove.
Several Argentine players attempted to act as peacemakers but it looked as if Jude and Nicolas wanted more head-to-head action – even when they were separated.
Jude also clashed with Lionel Messi in the semi-finals, though England fans have to admit that the Argentinian legend was brilliant towards the end of the match, setting up both of his country’s goals.
Friday, 27 July 1979 – Suzanne and her sister, Michelle, left Neave Comprehensive School in Harold Hill and caught the bus to Romford train station. They caught the train to central London.
Her sister recalls walking near Arsenal’s then Highbury Stadium. She cannot recall where they stayed.
Saturday, 28 July 1979 – They met a number of boys, aged around 14 to 17, while walking around a fair on Highbury Fields. The boys took them to stay at a squat around 15 minutes’ walk away.
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Sunday, 29 July 1979 – Monday, 30 July 1979 – The girls spent two nights at the squat.
Tuesday, 31 July 1979 – Michelle returned to the family home in Leamington Road, Harold Hill, expecting Suzanne to return the following morning.
Wednesday, 1 August 1979 – Suzanne did not return to the family home. Michelle told her mother what had happened.
Thursday, 2 August 1979 – Police were informed that Suzanne was missing.
If you are unsure where to stay along the coast, you might want to visit Druridge Bay, a calm beach with miles of sand.
The beach runs from Amble to Cresswell, meaning you could walk between the two areas if you are looking for a long hike to do.
The beach is dog-friendly all year round, making it an ideal spot for letting pets run off some steam.
Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round. (Image: Tripadvisor)
What is Druridge Bay beach like?
The sandy beach is backed by grassy dunes and features the remains of pill boxes and anti-tank blocks that had been placed there during the Second World War.
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The area is popular with birdwatchers, as it is rich with wildlife including golden plover and purple sandpipers.
Just behind the beach, you can find the Druridge Bay Country Park that features a meadow, woodland area, and a lake to explore.
There is a play area for children with lots of swings and climbing equipment for them to run around and enjoy.
The nearby village of Widdrington is home to the Widdrington Inn, a traditional pub with “outdoor seating that is perfect in the summer, and a comfortable interior all year round.”
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The pub has a menu with a range of classic dishes available, such as butter chicken curry, steak and ale pie, and even a Yorkshire pudding wrap loaded with beef, chips, and gravy.
If you visit on a Sunday, you can enjoy the pub’s roast with plenty of choices in terms of meat, with each dish served with roast and mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and a Yorkshire pudding.
There is also a children’s menu and plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians, meaning everyone is catered for.
What do visitors of Druridge Bay say?
One reviewer on Tripadvisor said: “One of the cleanest beaches we have ever visited!
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“Dogs absolutely loved it.
“Free parking, short walk over the sand dunes onto the huge beach.”
Another reviewer said: “One of our favourite places in the UK.
“Wide sandy beach, great playground for toddlers, fantastic welcome at the cafe and a lovely walk around the lake.
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“Highly recommend Druridge for a day out with toddlers and young children.”
Other commenters have praised the surrounding area including the country park, saying it is “brilliant.”
What do you think of Druridge Bay Beach? Let us know in the comments below.
Under current legislation, e-scooters and e-bikes are deemed to be motor vehicles
Three people have been arrested and more than 20 vehicles seized in a police crackdown on illegal and antisocial use of e-bikes and scooters.
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The PSNI in Lurgan carried out two days of targeted actions against e-scooters and scramblers over Friday July 31 and Saturday August 1. Over this period a total of 23 vehicles were seized, two adults were arrested and a further two cautioned for motoring offences.
One child was arrested and referred to the Youth Diversion Officer.
PSNI Sergeant Adam Patterson said: “A 17-year-old boy was stopped by police riding an e-bike on the wrong side of the road.
“He attempted to make off from police, but was arrested on suspicion of driving offences and possession of a class B controlled drug.
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“It was later established that the e-bike had been stolen. Following questioning, the boy has been released on bail to allow for further inquiries.
“Local officers – in both uniform and plain clothes – were supported in the Two Wheel Vehicle Operation by colleagues from Air Support Unit, who deployed a drone in the area, and our District Support Team.”
Sergeant Patterson continued: “Twenty three nuisance vehicles are now off the road and, as these uninsured vehicles are not road legal, they will be disposed of by police within 14 days of seizure unless the owner requests a review by the magistrates’ court, at the owner’s expense.
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“Under current legislation, e-scooters and e-bikes are deemed to be motor vehicles, meaning the rider must have a driving licence and the vehicle must be taxed, insured and fitted with lights and a number plate.
“From a safety point of view, their inappropriate use in public spaces poses a risk to the safety of both rider and the public.
“People have already been seriously hurt as a result of their use.
“The number of vehicles seized demonstrates the scale of this problem.
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“As we do all we can to detect offenders, we’d ask that our local community continues to report the illegal and dangerous driving of these vehicles so we can help to make our roads safer for everyone.”
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