A CALL has been made for regulation of e-scooters in the Transport Bill as Carlisle’s MP says “it is hugely important that our streets are safe for everyone that uses them.”

John Stevenson, Member of Parliament for Carlisle has written to Government calling for regulation on the weight, speed and power of e-scooters.

It follows news that the Government will legalise private e-scooters in the upcoming Transport Bill.

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Evidence collected by Guide Dogs shows that the number of fast-moving e-scooters on England’s streets has increased rapidly since the introduction of limited trial schemes in 2020.

It is currently illegal to ride e-scooters on public land and concerns have been expressed in Carlisle about their presence on city streets.

City councillor for Currock and Upperby Chris Wills and Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall are amongst those who have previously raised road safety concerns around e-scooters.

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New research has found that three quarters of people with sight loss who have encountered an e-scooter have had a negative experience and half changed their behaviour because of e-scooters. This includes not going to parts of their town or taking a different route.

John Stevenson, Member of Parliament for Carlisle said: “Government has indicated that the upcoming Transport Bill will legalise private e-scooters for the first time in England, Scotland and Wales. I have therefore written to the Secretary of State, Anne-Marie Trevelyan asking Government to review the weight, speed and power of rental and privately owned e-scooters in the upcoming Transport Bill.

“Whilst there is undoubtedly a place for e-scooters in the future, it is hugely important that out streets are safe for everyone that uses them.”

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22 fatal road traffic collisions were recorded in Cumbria in 2021, the figure is an increase of five compared to the previous year.

The road casualty report shows that nationwide, e-scooter collisions are up by 193 per cent from 2020.

Chris Theobald, Senior Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager for Guide Dogs said: “Any new law on e-scooters must consider the impact they are already having on people with sight loss.

“Pavements are for people but all too often, e-scooters are being illegally ridden on or abandoned on the pavement creating additional obstacles for people with sight loss."

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