Scooters destroyed after accident

Micro-scooters are popular among children

A batch of children's micro-scooters are to be destroyed after being labelled as a potential entrapment hazards.

The toys were seized after a young boy was injured in an accident, and a member of the public lodged a complaint.

There is a real concern that some of these items could lead to a serious accident

Lynda Thorne, Cardiff councillor

More than 700 orbital sanders will also be destroyed in the operation by trading standards officers from Cardiff council.

Some parts of the goods have been recycled, but the remainder will be destroyed at the Lamby Way waste disposal site later.

Cardiff councillors have said there were real concerns that a serious accident could have occurred from the use of the goods.

Dave Hollland, head of trading standards at Cardiff council, explained how his team had acquired the products.

"The goods have been seized and forfeited after tests were applied," he said.

"The scooters were as a result of a complaint after a young lad had an accident - and we impounded what stock we could," he said.

'Cannibalised'

The scooters have been labelled as a potential entrapment hazard, while the sanders failed electromagnetic compatibility regulations.

If someone has a problem with a consumer product, we urge them to get in touch

Dave Holland, trading standards

"We have cannibalised them where we can - the plugs have been taken off and given to local charities - but what is left has to be scrapped," said Mr Holland.

"It is a big clear out of our warehouse - it represents around four to six months of work," he added.

Mr Holland explained how the trading standards team worked.

"The department has a policing role, where we check what consumers are being told is safe.

"If someone has a problem with a consumer product, we urge them to get in touch," he said.

The trading standards team can be contacted on 02920 397781.