Somerset County Council - Electric Scooter trials

Somerset Council Various Roads Within Somerset

Electric Scooter Experimental Order 2024

NOTICE is hereby given that on the 14th day of June 2024 Somerset Council made an Experimental Order in exercise of its powers under Sections 9, 10, and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended, and of all other enabling powers and after consultation with the Chief Officer of Police in accordance with Part III of Schedule 9 to the Act. The effect of the Experimental Order is to temporarily permit Electric Scooters as defined in The Electric Scooter Trials and Traffic Signs (Coronavirus) Regulations and General Directions 2020 (or as otherwise amended) hired from a company authorised by the Department for Transport to use cycle lanes and cycle tracks and bus lanes within Somerset as specified in the Schedule below. The changes proposed will apply only to Electric Scooters legally used as part of the trials, for the duration of the trials. Electric Scooters not used as part of the trials will remain illegal on the road and shall not be permitted to use cycle lanes and cycle tracks and bus lanes. Electric Scooters shall not be permitted for use on the highway with a signed speed limit of 50 mph or more.

The historical Somerset West and Taunton District Council and South Somerset District Council that existed on the 30th March 2023 has been chosen to trial the use of Electric Scooters therefore the changes to temporarily permit Electric Scooters to use cycle lanes, cycle tracks and bus lanes is being introduced as an Experimental Order to assess their benefits and pending a decision by the government whether to extend the use permanently or not. The historical Somerset West and Taunton District Council and South Somerset District Council that existed on the 30th March 2023 see this trial as phase one of a larger micro mobility plan which will incorporate e-scooters and e-bikes, as well as e-car schemes at mobility hubs across their district, in the future. To support a ‘green’ restart of local travel and help mitigate reduced public transport capacity, the Department for Transport is fast tracking and expanding trials of rental e-scooters. E-scooters offer the potential for fast, clean and inexpensive travel that can also help ease the burden on transport networks and allow for social distancing. The intention is for the trial to run for a period of 12 months. The outcome of the trial will assist the government to decide whether to make legal the use of Electronic Scooters on roads.

The Order shall come into force on the 21st day of June 2024 and will remain in force for a maximum period of 12 months.

Where may I see more information? Full details of the scheme are contained in the experimental order. If you would like to see a copy of the experimental order, a map and a copy of Somerset Council’s Statement of Reasons for making the order, you may do so on the Somerset Council website: www.somerset.gov.uk/TRO. If you are unable to access please contact 0300 123 2224. What if I want to send a letter about the scheme? Any person may object to the indefinite continuation of the experimental order within six months of the experimental order coming into operation. If you would like to send us a letter about the scheme, please check that you:

1. Include reasons for any comments you make regarding any decision to make an Order for the indefinite continuation of this scheme. Comments in support of the scheme are also invited; 2. Send all comments in writing to Somerset Council, Traffic Management, County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY or by email to TROinbox@somerset.gov.uk;

3. Quote reference KT04062024; 4. Send your letter by 21st June 2025.

Please note that all representations received may be made available for public inspection and could be included in a report that may be published on the Somerset Council website, unless the individuals concerned state, in writing, their objection to their names and address being made so available or being included in the publication.

Duncan Sharkey, Chief Executive

Dated: 21st June 2024

SCHEDULE

Somerset Divisions within the trial area Dulverton and Exmoor, Minehead, Dunster, Bishops Hull and Taunton West, Taunton South, Comeytrowe  and  Trull,  Rowbarton  and Staplegrove, Lydeard, Taunton North, Taunton East, Monkton and North Curry, Yeovil West, Yeovil East, Yeovil Central, Yeovil South, Brympton

STATEMENT OF REASONS

Somerset Council has made the above named Order in accordance with Section 1.1 (c) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 namely for facilitating the passage on the road or any other road of any class of traffic. The Order has been made as part of a national, controlled trial by the government to understand the impact and benefits the use of Electric Scooters may have to ease the burden on the transport network. The trial is to be used to gather evidence on their safety, how people use them, whether the potential benefits can be realised and how to manage the downsides.