E-scooter trials extended despite safety concerns

A council has extended a controversial e-scooter trial despite concerns the project could be unsafe.

West Northamptonshire Council's cabinet agreed to the extension, saying the provider will be required to make safety improvements.

Speed restrictions and no parking zones will be introduced.

A Labour councillor said the reassurances given by the provider were "not good enough for residents".

Electric scooters run by the Voi company were introduced on a trial basis in Northampton in 2020.

Supporters say they are more environmentally friendly than cars, and can reduce journey times as they can avoid traffic queues.

But critics argue they are dangerous and poorly regulated.

Last summer, a woman urged e-scooter users to wear helmets after her daughter suffered brain damage following an accident in Northampton.

Conservative-controlled West Northamptonshire Council began a review into the system last year which attracted responses from 2,600 people.

The council's cabinet agreed to continue the trial for another two years and implement some safety improvements.

The improvements include new speed controls and restricted zones, including a ban on parking in critical locations.

Live photos will be used to validate parking across the whole of the town.

New scooters will be introduced which will be designed to be more visible at night.

Labour's Emma Roberts told the meeting: “There are huge missed opportunities here and options where we could have really pushed Voi to deliver if they want to retain this contract.

"Just taking this report and Voi’s word that they will make things better is not good enough for our residents.”

Phil Larratt, the council's cabinet member for highways and travel, said: “Please don’t think we are putting this to bed. It’s still very much a live issue.

“We still recognise the issues particularly around parking, double riding [and] riding on a footpath. Voi has agreed to take those forward and if they don’t there’s measures we can take, so don’t think we’re running away from that."

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said a management team would monitor the performance of the trial and the willingness of Voi to make improvements.

A termination clause in the contract would also allow the council to terminate the trial with two months’ notice, if it was not satisfied.

Follow Northamptonshire news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830