Nottingham City Council reintroduces e-scooters after previous operator's closure, sparking controversy from the National Federation of the Blind who cite safety risks for pedestrians.
A charity advocating for the blind and visually impaired has expressed strong opposition to the reintroduction of e-scooters in Nottingham , despite the new operator, Dott, implementing safety measures. Nottingham City Council announced on January 22nd that Dott would be taking over the e-scooter rental scheme after the previous operator, Superpedestrian, ceased operations in December 2023.
This decision follows a government extension of all e-scooter trial schemes until May 2026, allowing Dott to deploy around 1,300 e-scooters at 300 designated parking spots across the city. The launch is anticipated for early spring.The National Federation of the Blind (NFBUK) has raised concerns regarding the safety implications of e-scooters for vulnerable pedestrians. Sarah Gayton, the charity's Street Access Campaign Coordinator, stated that the reintroduction of rented e-scooters would inevitably lead to danger and anti-social behavior on Nottingham's pavements. She emphasized that regardless of the implemented controls and restrictions, e-scooters would likely be ridden and parked irresponsibly, posing a significant risk to blind, deaf-blind, partially sighted, and elderly individuals who may struggle to avoid them. Gayton also highlighted the potential for e-scooters to create an immediate trip hazard, citing observations from other e-scooter trials where dangerous riding and parking practices remained prevalent.Nottingham City Council, however, maintains that lessons have been learned from previous trials, particularly concerning parking. They have invested in 275 e-bike and e-scooter parking racks using funds from the government's Transforming Cities Fund. The council has also reviewed existing e-scooter parking spots, planning to remove those that do not meet their parking criteria. Cllr Neghat Khan, the council leader and executive member for strategic regeneration, transport, and communications, stated that e-scooters would play a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion and lowering harmful emissions in the city, aligning with their commitment to improving air quality and promoting greener travel options. Dott, the new e-scooter operator, asserts its commitment to safety and reliability, emphasizing its experience in over 400 cities. The company plans to provide educational resources and training for first-time riders, including a mandatory quiz before use, a 'beginner mode' that limits speed for the initial three rides, and in-person training sessions. Additionally, the e-scooters will be equipped with technology to prevent them from operating outside designated city boundaries, allowing the council to establish low-speed or restricted zones.
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