Agenda item

Purpose of report

This report considers responses to the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) in operation since 16 March 2021 for Portsmouth's rental e-scooter trial, and the next steps after the ETRO expiry on 15 September 2022.

Recommendations

It is recommended that the Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation:

Notes that in accordance with Department for Transport's guidance, Portsmouth implemented an ETRO ("ETRO 25 2021") when it launched its rental e-scooter trial in March 2021 to allow rental e-scooters in cycle tracks, cycle lanes and bus lanes;

Notes the decision on 18 March 2022, at a meeting of the Cabinet Member for Traffic & Transportation, that the trial should continue until 30 November 2022;

Notes that ETROs can only remain in place for up to 18 months, and that Portsmouth's ETRO is therefore scheduled to expire on 15 September 2022;

Notes the responses received to the ETRO during the six-month consultation period from March to September 2021;

Approves converting the ETRO to a permanent TRO from 15 September 2022;

Notes that a decision to make the ETRO permanent would in no way constitute a decision to permit an e-scooter operation in any form after November 2022, and that a further Cabinet Member decision would be required to enable this and to extend the enabling Vehicle Special Order (VSO) beyond 30 November 2022.

Gareth James, Future Transport Zones (FTZ) Project Manager introduced the report and outlined the next steps after the trial expires in November 2022.

Gareth explained the background to the trial which had taken place under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to allow rental e-scooters to be ridden in bike and bus lanes.  The trial was not envisaged to have lasted so long but was extended in March 2022 to the end of November after the Government invited all e-scooter rental trial areas to do so.  The ETRO was due to expire on 15 September 2022 which would have resulted in a gap between 15 September and the end of November.  The department took advice on the best way forward to bridge the gap.

Deputations

Mr Malcolm Hey made a deputation against the proposal.

Deputations are not minuted but can be viewed online here:

https://livestream.com/accounts/14063785/cabinet-tt-28jul2022

Councillors questions

In response to Councillors questions the officer clarified:

·         There have been 60% fewer car journeys as a result of the E-scooter trial.  In relation to the safety aspect, there are measures in place alongside the quality of the VOI scooters that make them safer compared to illegal private scooters.  Data is being received constantly on safety records, helmet wearing and how many car journeys they are replacing.

·         A further report will be produced in October for the committee for a decision to extend the scheme. The government has now extended the trial to May 2024.

·         The maximum length of time for an ETRO is 18 months.  The formal consultation is within the first 6 months of the scheme.  The team are planning to carry out more surveys. 

·         Following the initial consultation period, a further 30 - 40 stations had been added. 

·         The ETRO was solely to allow rental e-scooters to be ridden in bike and bus lanes.  The actual size of the scheme was not within the scope of the TRO.

·         Although the trial scheme had been extended by the Government, there were not enough significant changes in it to warrant another ETRO.  Legal services therefore advised that converting to a TRO was appropriate.

·         The IIA and EIA were both updated in March 2022 - the date on the documents was incorrect.

·         Although there was a requirement to come back to committee for a decision in November there was no requirement to consult, although surveys can be carried out.

Councillor Comments

·         Members observed that the public do not understand the processes in regard to this scheme and there was a need to be clearer and to provide increased clarity, giving the public more opportunities to have their say.

·         The number of stations had doubled since the end of the 6-month consultation meaning any decision reached was based on inaccurate information.  A further consultation should be carried out before November.

·         The Government plans to legislate for other similar vehicles and set technical standards was noted.

Decision

The Cabinet Member for Traffic & Transportation:

1.    Noted that in accordance with Department for Transport's guidance, Portsmouth implemented an ETRO ("ETRO 25 2021") when it launched its rental e-scooter trial in March 2021 to allow rental e-scooters in cycle tracks, cycle lanes and bus lanes;

2.    Noted the decision on 18 March 2022, at a meeting of the Cabinet Member for Traffic & Transportation, that the trial should continue until 30 November 2022;

3.    Noted that ETROs can only remain in place for up to 18 months, and that Portsmouth's ETRO is therefore scheduled to expire on 15 September 2022

4.    Noted the responses received to the ETRO during the six-month consultation period from March to September 2021;

5.    Approved converting the ETRO to a permanent TRO from 15 September 2022;

6.    Noted that a decision to make the ETRO permanent would in no way constitute a decision to permit an e-scooter operation in any form after November 2022, and that a further Cabinet Member decision would be required to enable this, following a full public consultation, to extend the enabling Vehicle Special Order (VSO) beyond 30 November 2022.