Calls for stricter rules on use of e-scooters

E-scooters have been in use in Northampton since 2020

A council is set to propose stricter rules on e-scooters in the county, including enforcement about where they can be parked.

The trial of the vehicles in West Northamptonshire will come to an end in May, having been first introduced in September 2020.

A council committee has recommended their use continue into 2026, but with safety improvements.

Phil Larratt, from West Northamptonshire Council, said a "minority" of riders were causing issues.

People in Northampton have been able to hire two-wheeled electric scooters since the beginning of the trial project.

The scheme was expanded to Moulton and Collingtree last August.

West Northamptonshire Council's scrutiny committee started assessing the effectiveness of the scooters at the end of last year and asked people to submit their views.

It has now made a series of suggestions, including "harsher enforcement on scooters parked in key locations, such as disabled and emergency access points", the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The committee also said new technology was needed to "eliminate multiple people from riding together on one scooter and from driving on the pavement".

'The idiots that ride them'

Mr Larrett, cabinet member for environment, transport and highways on the Conservative-led council, said e-scooters were "great", but that "a lot of people who don't use them" were still affected by the vehicles.

"Unfortunately, it's the idiots that ride them, not the majority, but the minority and that's what we're dealing with," he said.

He added that the council had asked Voi, who operate the scheme, to develop the technology to eliminate the issues.

"If they haven't come up with the technology and installed it on all scooters within six months, let's say, then that's it, they're out. We've really got to be tight on getting these things." he said.

The final decision on the continuation of the scheme will be made in May 2024.