Home » Swansea Council debate potential e-scooter trial amid safety concerns

Swansea Council debate potential e-scooter trial amid safety concerns

E scooter (Pic: Cindy Shebley, Pexels)

A “LOAD OF HURDLES” would need to be cleared before any decision about an e-scooter trial in Swansea is made, a meeting heard.

Swansea Council has expressed an interest with the Department for Transport about launching a trial.

E-scooters are illegal on UK public roads except in areas where there is a trial. Rental schemes have taken place in parts of England since 2020 but not in Wales.

Cllr Andrew Stevens, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, was asked by three councillors why the authority had sought to host one.

His written answer said registering an interest did not mean a trial would end up being implemented in Swansea but it did allow it to be examined.

Cllr Stevens told a meeting of full council “a load of other hurdles” would come, such as the need for new legislation. Discussions would then be needed with councillors and community groups, he said, “and only once we are satisfied with that would we consider our positions”.

Cllr Peter Black, one of the three questioners, had requested the council withdrew its expression of interest, describing e-scooters as “a potential danger to our citizens”. He said while on holiday he nearly tripped over one lying on the walkway.

Cllr Black went on to ask if councillors would have a proper discussion about a potential trial when a decision was about to be made.

“I am still concerned about it,” he said.

Cllr Stevens said he would arrange a session for elected members relatively soon encompassing e-bikes and bikes as well as e-scooters, the potential benefits thereof and where the council goes next.

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Cllr Peter Black, who is concerned about a possible e-scooter trial in Swansea (Pic: Richard Youle)

Cardiff Council has also expressed an interest in an e-scooter trial. Supporters say they are a low-emission, handy and relatively cheap mode of transport.

While e-scooters in the English trials are limited to 15.5mph, critics say private ones can have higher speed limits and illegal pavement riding is a problem.

E-scooter riders in trial areas can use them on roads and cycle lanes but not pavements.

Speaking last November, a Welsh Government spokesman said: “The introduction of a trial scheme in Wales would be the responsibility of UK Government subject to legislative amendments by Welsh Government.

“We would be happy to engage with any Welsh local authority to explore the legislative amendments required but we have not yet been approached.”

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