MP seeks views on electric transport

A North East MP is calling for people to get involved in framing new legislation covering e-scooters.

The Parliamentary Transport Committee is launching an inquiry into the safety and legal implications of electric scooters, their impact on congestion, and potential contribution to reducing the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The UK is the last major European economy where e-scooters are banned everywhere except on private land –andwiththelandowner’spermission.

Committee member, Easington MP Grahame Morris, said: “When considering new modesoftransport,roadsafety is the overriding priority. I am encouraging people to contribute to this enquiry, as the impactofe-scooterswillbesignificantly different for people living in Blackhall, Easington and Horden compare to those living in London, Manchester

and Birmingham. We are looking at issues like how do escooters fit into our transport network, are they for pavements, cycle paths or roads? Should their speed be limited? Will e-scooters deliver environmental benefits and can they encourage people to use more sustainable modes of transport?”

“In the UK, e-scooters are classified as a ‘powered transporter’andarecoveredbylaws thatapplytoallmotorvehicles.

“The Committee’s inquiry will consider whether escooters should be permitted on roads, cycles lanes and/or pavements.”

Opionions can be made at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/ future-of-transport-regulatory-review-call-for-evidenceon-micromobility-vehiclesflexible-bus-services-andmobility-as-a-service

Theclosingdateforwritten evidence is June 2.