Since the introduction of e-Scooters on the Isle of Wight, there have been more than 1,000 reports of misuse.
In November 2020, Beryl brought over the first lot of e-Scooters in a 12-month partnership with the Isle of Wight Council.
The scheme has grown over the last 15 months it has been on the Island, expanding to further towns as well as there being a eBike rental pilot.
It has been met with mixed reactions from those welcoming the sustainable transport option to others concerned about safety.
Several drink-drive convictions
There have also been several drink-drive convictions.
Now, figures revealed in a Freedom of Information request by an Island resident, show since the scheme was introduced from November 2020 to November 2021, 1,004 misuse reports have been filed with the Isle of Wight Council.
The misuse reports come from 749 complaints — with complaints able to log more than one category of misuse.
The complaints
The misuse fell into different categories including:
- 87 for anti-social behaviour
- 178 for dangerous driving on the road
- 235 for riding with a passenger
- 141 for underage rider
- 363 for riding on a pavement
Beryl: One warning before being banned
On its Website, Beryl says it takes misuse of scooters very seriously, working with local police and keeping a record of all incidents of misuse.
It said,
“Riders can expect a warning in the first instance, and to be blocked on a second occurrence.
“Misuse is highly disruptive and potentially dangerous to other road users.
“In serious cases, we may block a user in the first instance and inform local authorities.”
How to report misuse
To report misuse, you can contact Beryl by phone or email, 7am to 9pm, seven days a week either emailing [email protected] or calling 020 3003 5044.
Today (Friday), the Independent Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) is calling on the government to act decisively on the growing problems of unsafe and illegal e-Scooter use.
Using the e-Scooter trials taking place in 31 areas across the country PACTS is recommending, if the government looks to legalise the use of private e-Scooters, it should adopt 14 safety regulations including a maximum speed limit of 12.5mph and mandatory helmet wearing.
Davies: Gov should act now to curb dangerous and illegal use
David Davies, PACTS executive director, said,
“E-Scooters are a controversial issue and risks to riders and pedestrians are increasingly apparent. The government should act now to curb dangerous and illegal use.
“Even if the government decides on the way forward soon, legislation will not take effect until sometime next year. They should take this opportunity to gather evidence and consult widely.”
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is part of. Read here to find about more about how that scheme works on the Island. Some alterations and additions may have been made by News OnTheWight. Ed
Image: let’s kick under CC BY 2.0
