Decision details

Purpose of Report: To provide an update on the e-scooter trials since roll-out of the shared e-scooter rental scheme in mid-October 2020. To request extension of the trial from March 2022 to November 2022 as per the government decision and request further parking options for the shared e-bikes.

The report will ask the Executive Members to reflect on the success of the scheme to date, approve the extension of the trial to November 2022 in line with government guidance and expansion of parking locations for shared e-bikes.

PLEASE NOTE: This item will be considered in consultation with the Executive Member for Environment and Climate Change.

Resolved:

                      i.         Approved the continuation with the micro-mobility trial, in line with the DfT extension and that the current operator (TIER) will remain the sole provider in York until the end of the trial period.

Reason:     Continuation of the trial in York until the 30th November 2022 in line with the DfT’s expectations provides important feedback to the creation of national guidelines. It allows the approx. 6,000current users making 20,000 trips a month to continue using thesustainable methods of transport to get around the city.

                     ii.         Approved the generation of a permanent Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for the scheme as the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (E-TRO) will expire in March.

Reason:     The experimental Traffic Regulation Order that allows Escooters to the list of permitted vehicles allowed to travel wherever cycles are permitted expires on 5 April 2022 and cannot legally be extended.

                    iii.        Confirmed that e-bikes to use CYC cycle racks with capacity restrictions so that there is plenty of space for other cycles at all times.

Reason:     Allowing e-bikes (not e-scooters) to use cycle racks around  the city will encourage adoption of cycling by making journey start and end points convenient an accessible to more people. This will also make e-bikes accessible to residents living in York’s outer villages such as Haxby & Poppleton where scooter parking has not been easy to identify.