London’s trial of rental electric scooters began on Monday, but concerns have been expressed that a car led recovery could follow the worst of the pandemic in the capital.
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A progress report summarising delivery of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy – and being considered by Transport for London’s board today – speaks of “concerns that a preference for car travel may persist after the immediate threat from the virus has receded”.
A car led recovery from Covid would, the report adds, be “undesirable” with “potentially serious consequences for congestion and London’s air quality”.
Electric scooters are now available to hire in Canary Wharf, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea and Richmond. However, the City of London which had earlier been scheduled to take part from Monday will not now join the scheme for another four weeks.
A Transport for London spokesman cited “procedural issues” in the City and said it is set to offer rental e-scooters from 5 July. Scooters available in the other five areas are operated by Dott, Lime and Tier.
London’s walking and cycling commissioner Will Norman spoke of his desire to ensure a “green and sustainable recovery” from the pandemic, adding: “we know that a huge portion of car journeys in London are for very short distances, and we want to explore how e-scooters can act as an innovative alternative”.
London Councils’ transport and environment committee chair Philip Glanville said: “It will be important to see how this new service impacts London’s existing transport network and carbon emissions and how inclusive it is of the travel needs of all Londoners, especially those on lower incomes.”
But the Royal National Institute of Blind People expressed concern with the trial. “We are not against e-scooters in principle,” said policy and campaigns officer Zoe Courtney. “However, they do present some potential risks to blind and partially sighted pedestrians, which must be fully resolved before any steps are taken towards legalising them.
“We want to see the rules on not using e-scooters on pavements enforced, adequate off pavement parking provided, and the appropriate street infrastructure in place to keep pedestrians safe.”
(Photograph: Transport for London)
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