Prince Charles’ speech at the opening of Parliament may hint at e-scooters being legalised on public roads in the future…
E-Scooters on Pubic Roads?
Prince Charles, standing in for the Queen, recently opened Parliament. During his speech, he stated “her Majesty’s Government will improve transport across the United Kingdom, delivering safer, cleaner services and enabling more innovations”. This could, potentially, be referring to e-scooters; which may soon be properly regulated and legalised on public roads.
Only recently, the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps hinted that the speech could include a reference to them. As it stands, e-scooters can only be used on public roads when registered, insured and authorised by rental firms. Users must unlock them by presenting either a full or provisional driving license. Geo-fencing technology is then used to prevent them from being used outside of select areas.
Whilst e-scooters should only be used by private individuals on private land, many people choose to flout the rules; being undeterred by police confiscations. A rising number of deaths and injuries, however, has led to clamour for reform.
‘Transport is Evolving’
Martin Usher, partner in the personal injury team at Lime Solicitors, commented on the situation. He said, “we need to face the reality that transport is evolving, and micromobility vehicles and e-scooters will be on our roads, for better or worse. Legalisation presents the significant opportunity to enforce tighter safety regulations for private e-scooters, and to improve education to ensure that all road users have access to safe, green transport”.
Edmund King, president of the AA, also welcomed the possibility of regulation. He explained, “with e-scooters and other forms of micro-mobility popping up more frequently on UK roads, it makes sense that safety regulation should come first. If introduced alongside appropriate infrastructure, e-mobility could help provide a positive shift in greener localised travel both for individuals and last-mile freight”.
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