Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Record numbers of e-scooter seizures have been reported in Dorset, causing concern among residents and local officials about antisocial behaviour and drug-related activities. Police and crime commissioner David Sidwick is prioritising tackling this issue.
In Dorset, we have just seen record numbers of e-scooter seizures. The police and crime commissioner, David Sidwick, and I are prioritising tackling this issue, because not only is it a form of antisocial behaviour, but it is an ideal way for drug dealers to get around. Residents in Littledown and Iford are particularly concerned. I am pleased to hear the Minister say that if parliamentary time allows, he will bring forward a Bill. Can he say whether that Bill might include mandatory registration and identification plates for e-scooters, among other things?
As part of any future legislation, any regulations—including potentially requiring registration or licence plates—will be publicly consulted on before they come into force.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There are currently 1 million privately owned scooters in the UK, which are illegal to use on public roads. The extension of six-year-old e-scooter trials by two years has been criticised for not allowing people to legally use their e-scooters with proportionate regulation.
There are 1 million privately owned scooters, which are illegal to use on public roads. I declare an interest, having bought one a few years ago in the expectation that I would be able to ride it legally by now, but that is permitted only under state-licensed schemes. Why have the Government extended trials that began six years ago by a further two years, rather than getting on with allowing people to use their e-scooters with proportionate regulation to deliver the benefits of micromobility, particularly in areas such as North West Norfolk that have limited public transport?
The extension of our e-scooter trials will deepen our understanding of e-scooter safety, their impacts on disabled people and pedestrians, and how they can be better integrated with the wider transport systems in communities with different populations and geographies. Extending the trials will give the certainty needed by industry to continue investing in our trials and more time to learn how best to regulate e-scooters.
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Assessment & feedback
specific timing or legal framework for allowing privately owned e-scooters
Deepening Understanding
Certainty Needed By Industry
Response accuracy