Issue - meetings

To receive the report from the Projects Team Manager

The Cabinet member introduced the paper and the background for the paper and handed to the Projects Team Manager who presented the key factors from the paper and the considerations that have been raised in engagement with disability groups and the police and crime commissioner while addressing the key concerns and the practical implications of the scheme.

During the discussion, concerns were raised regarding the potential for e-scooters to be hacked and used by individuals who did not hold valid driving licences. Consideration was given to the controls available to operators and the measures required to manage this risk.

The Committee discussed compliance rates associated with bikes and scooters being left outside designated parking bays. It was noted that Dorset currently achieves a compliance rate of 95%, indicating a high level of adherence to the scheme requirements.

The use of geomapping technology was explored, particularly its role in identifying areas where access restrictions or speed controls may be required. Discussion highlighted the importance of involving ward members, town councils and parish councils in identifying locations where additional controls may be necessary.

Safety requirements formed a significant part of the discussion. Assurances were provided that appropriate safety standards and mitigation measures would be incorporated into the procurement process and applied throughout the operation of the scheme.

The Committee also considered the commercial viability of e-scooter schemes. It was noted that a sufficient population base is required to sustain such schemes commercially, and that this had been a key factor in selecting the proposed trial locations.

Further discussion focused on safety concerns relating to the use of e-scooters on both pavements and the road network, and the potential impact on other road users and pedestrians.

The need for appropriate signage to support the operation of the scheme was also discussed, including its role in promoting awareness, compliance and safety.

Recommendation:

The recommendations set out in the paper were proposed alongside specific suggestions from the Committee debate by Cllr Tarr and seconded by Cllr Taylor and unanimously agreed in support of the Cabinet Decision to commence the trial of the e-scooter mobility scheme.

The Place and Resources Overview Committee;

·       reviewed and provided comment on the proposal to introduce e-scooter rental services in:

1.     Weymouth, Dorchester, Portland and Chickerell (via a competitively procured operator); and

2.     Corfe Mullen and Upton (via an extension of the existing BCP scheme);

·       Examined the proposed delivery model, including the practical, legal and operational arrangements required to implement the scheme in accordance with Department for Transport (DfT) trial requirements.

·       Provided direction and challenge on key aspects of the proposal including:

1.     The sustainability of the proposed operating areas;

2.     The adequacy of proposed controls relating to safety, parking and equalities impacts;

3.     The extent to which reliance on police enforcement presents an acceptable risk

The recommendations of geofencing to be coproduced with Ward Councillors, Town and Parish councillors and the response to the DFT to look to provision of warning signage was added to the report recommendations.