Let’s wait for problems to arise thanks to the new E-scooter scheme
So, the Portsmouth e-scooter trial is underway. Meanwhile, judging by letters to The Bournemouth Echo, there are, to put it mildly problems there.
A main complaint is the preponderance of them on the promenade alongside cyclists. Apparently, they will not be allowed there in busy July and August. Think they’ll desist? – you must be having a laugh! (Note: dictionary definition – promenade – a place to walk.)
Also there has been an explosion of privately owned e scooters illegally using public roads and footpaths; there is no way of knowing if the riders are licenced and insured.
Dorset Police have said that if they come across illegal use of e-scooters in the course of their duties they will, in the first intance, warn the rider and on the second time confiscate the e-scooter. This seems to me that they will not proactively be looking for offenders. Who can blame them? I shouldn’t think they have the resources. We will wait, in anticipation, to see what Hampshire police will do here. By the way, I only saw three illegal e-scooters in Commercial Road pedestrian precinct yesterday, Monday 15th, during the 10 minutes I passed through there.
I hope we can rely on our city council to make clear with prominent signage that NO e-scooters will be allowed on our promenade, pedestrian precincts and all footpaths.
Apparently, we can phone VOI, the e-scooter hire operators, to report any dangerous or illegal use of their machines on 0800 376 8176 or there’s always the City Council Transport Management Centre on 023 9268 8290. Terry Pearson Portsea