City e-scooter plans are open to abuse
IT seems hope is to triumph over experience as Newcastle City Council approves the introduction of one of the many e-scooter schemes being trialled across the country.
The problems which beset the orange bike scheme seem likely to be revisited at even greater expense for the operators. The essence of these schemes has to be flexibility.
Too much ‘bureaucracy’ around accessing the scooter will deter uptake.
I see no mention that these vehicles will will be securely ‘docked’ when not in use.
Without that security feature the opportunity for unauthorised abuse is obvious.
Yet, in addition to protecting the operator’s assets there is the added complication of ensuring compliance with the law.
These devices can only be ridden legally on public roads in the UK when hired from an authorised operator and by persons who hold a full or provisional driving licence.
Who will enforce compliance with this aspect? Already, it is common to see an illegallyused scooter on the streets and pavements of our towns.
I have yet to read of a conviction for such use.
That Northumbria Police were not consulted on the proposed scheme speaks volumes. I doubt they will welcome this proposal.
We have issues already with electric cycles being ridden at great speed on pavements and in pedestrianised areas by the legion of food deliverers who seem to believe the Highway Code does not apply to them – if they even know of its existence.
Lib Dem councillor Greg Stone asked what plans the council had to regulate their use by private owners.
He is obviously unaware their use on public roads is prohibited by law.
I hope the image of the scooters’ potential use on our scenic Quayside is not a portent for the future.
The rider appears to be in the lane reserved for the Quayside electric buses.
ALAN FIDLER, North Shields