Plans for e-scooter trial in Luton town centre shelved over safety fears

But the local authority has yet to scrap the idea altogether, confirming it will monitor how it operates in other areas of the country first.

A decision on the project was due back before the council's executive, but has been put on hold.

Local authorities have been encouraged to take part in a government-led initiative to trial e-scooters, explained a council spokesman.

He added: "Although a proposed scheme for Luton would operate at no cost to the local authority, there remain some concerns regarding issues of public safety.

"We're keen to learn from the experience of other locations taking part in the trials before moving this any further forward."

The e-scooter pilot would use cycle paths in the town, the council's executive committee had heard previously.

Labour Saints councillor Javed Hussain claimed the local authority could be used as "a guinea pig" and was among several committee members to raise concerns.

Councillor Paul Castleman, executive member for planning and transport, stated: "It's not being forced on us. I personally don't like them.

"It's no good having a pilot if we're not ready for it. There are too many unanswered questions."

Liberal Democrat Barnfield councillor David Franks said: "They're very dangerous.

"I seriously suggest that this experiment should be postponed until you can confidently police and control what's going on now."