Liverpool Council is set to approve a temporary extension for e-scooters in the city, whilst still continuing to search for a long-term solution.
Over the last three years, the Department for Transport (DfT) has implemented a pilot plan that has resulted in the electric hire scooters being a common sight across the city.
The DfT has extended the project for another two years, and with the expiration of the city's current contract, the local authority is aiming to negotiate a further six-month agreement in order to move towards making e-scooters a permanent provision in the city.
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A report issued alongside the decision said: “It was originally procured in 2020 when e-scooter trials were an unknown quantity and was assessed to have a value below procurement thresholds. However, e-scooters have proved more popular than expected and the value of the existing concession contract has exceeded the Concession Contracts Regulations 2016 threshold.
“Therefore it is recommended that a new contract is procured to ensure compliance with the regulations, as well as ensuring the contract is future proofed and continues to deliver best value for the council.”
According to Liverpool Council’s notice of upcoming decisions, cabinet members are expected to approve the award of an interim contract in May to allow e-scooters to operate for six months from June 5 while a permanent contract is procured for the operation of e-scooters and e-bikes.
A report has mentioned that the E-scooters have proved to be very popular, however not all Liverpool residents feel that way. Some readers have complained about scooters being dumped and many have pointed out they can cause issues for those with mobility issues and the visually impaired. Readers have been having their say in our comments section below:
Wam feels that: “they are a blight on the landscape. Scruffy. Always on the floor! No consideration how it impacts on other people’s properties.” Zippy21 feels that they put the public at risk: ”These scooters have cost lives and are now banned in most countries. Also these things are a danger for blind elderly and disabled when left across the pavements.”
Crow9898 is of the opinion that: “they never learn this council, summer coming up just a recipe for disaster with these scooters” Memories_2005 feels the scooters should be better regulated: “no helmet for a start. Should require a license to use one. I see many have no road safety for others.”
However, others are more positive, Robbiepeters says: “Great news, expand the scooters and more cycle lanes please.” Oii agrees: “25 minutes to wait for a bus or 12 minutes on a scooter, scooter gets first choice every time.”
Sollii is looking at the bigger picture: “I wonder how many of the people that have commented drive a car, do you ever complain about a car driver that in your view should be taken off the road? Whilst driving you may see 2-3 a week that annoy you but do you call for a ban of cars? Yes, see a scooter that annoys you you want a ban, what about the 50 scooters nearby that were ridden correctly, you want them banned too. we should not punish the many because of the sins of the few.”
How do you feel about E-scooters in your city? Have your say in the comments below:
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