Letter to Editor: On Harlow Council’s e-scooter plan
Politics / Wed 19th Mar 2025 at 09:13am
Dear Editor,
I AM writing to express my concern regarding the plan to introduce e-scooters to Harlow. While the intention behind this initiative might be to modernise our transportation system and provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional vehicles, it is imperative to consider the substantial evidence highlighting the safety risks associated with e-scooters.
Numerous reports and studies have consistently shown that e-scooters are prone to accidents, often resulting in serious injuries. The lack of proper infrastructure and the inherent design of these scooters make them particularly unsafe for both riders and pedestrians. Introducing them to Harlow without addressing these safety concerns could lead to an increase in accidents and put our community at risk.
Furthermore, the presence of illegally operated e-scooters in our town is another pressing issue. These unregulated scooters are often ridden recklessly, creating hazards on our streets and pathways. We already know that enforcement against the illegal, uninsured and licenced scooters is a joke. Legalizing e-scooters without stringent regulations and enforcement mechanisms in place may inadvertently encourage the continued use of these illegal vehicles, exacerbating the problems we already face.
It is also concerning to see a sudden u-turn in council policy regarding e-scooters. This raises questions about whether Councillor Gunn genuinely supports this decision or if he is being pressured into endorsing it. It is crucial for our elected representatives to prioritize the safety and well-being of our residents and not succumb to external or internal pressures providing a quick political win.
If Councillor Gunn wants to go down this dangerous path I would suggest a public consultation at the very least and a referral to the councils scrutiny committee or call in committee.
I would also urge the council to conduct thorough safety assessments, invest in necessary infrastructure, and implement robust regulatory measures. Only then can we ensure that this new mode of transportation benefits our community without compromising its safety.
Nick Churchill
Darren
2025-03-19 14:58:23
Absolute brain dead idea
Casual Observer
2025-03-19 15:36:41
Don't forget the fire hazzard, these things can catch fire when charging the battery if they are not looked after properly and left on charge in a cupboard.
Janet Ennifer
2025-03-19 16:08:05
Great more idiots to avoid around the town centre great idea NOT!!
Mike richards
2025-03-19 16:35:01
I always thought that this was the way forward but now seriously question this.when funding is so tight I feel the return on investment would probably be even worse than the numerous "regenerations" of the no-market square. Surely if there is money to burn, it would be better spent on repair of walkways and pavements. We do have a big problem with paths and roads being used by illegal scooters, mopeds and motorbikes, what is proposed as a "policing" plan and expenditure by the council to ensure no improper and inappropriate use, has that been factored in? As we all know, the review of the law recently made no significant changes with riding of e scooters illegal on roads, pavements and cycleways, (try enforcing that in the town centre) but there can be small areas covered by trial schemes for registered hire schemes in designated routes.. How do you stop illegal use of the private hire routes and what will the limitations of the private hire routs be? With illegal use so prevelent, I feel at this stage, the introduction of such a scheme, in the minds of the illegal users be more of a justification to profusion, if indeed it is needed. With allowing Hertfordshire and Epping Forest councils to build onto the side of Harlow, with no perceivable benefit to Harlow residents, yet inevitably bring more pressure on our already struggling road systems, with what I can see as being little or no difference to the costly tweeks being made at some of the road junctions, is this scheme the councils answer to us if we complain about gridlock? On a lighter side, I assume the aim is to intersect with the new Bus Station in order to justify it being called a Travel Hub.
Nick Churchill
2025-03-19 16:45:41
The thing that annoys me is that I had to show the council portfolio holder Alastair Gunn information published on the .gov.uk website after he DM'd me an hour ago asking me for proof but at the same time accepting that there had been 2 deaths in the Harlow area from illegal escooter use. The website information states... "In 2022, there were nearly 1,500 casualties in collisions involving e-scooters in the UK, including 12 deaths and 440 serious injuries, with a significant increase in collisions compared to the previous year. "
Tomcat
2025-03-20 07:16:48
So this justifies all the cycle lanes being built at great cost around the town! Its so obvious that this is going to happen after all the £1000's being spent on these stupid net zero policies! Oh look we have people using the cycle lanes! even on a scooter! How do you Police it all! we dont have the Police now to cover Harlow let alone to Police scooters that are being used to carry their children back from School as a passenger hanging on for dear life! They are angerous and dont have insurance along with they catch fire frequently! I suggest we all just give up, Sit back and watch this country become a third World country!
David Forman
2025-03-20 08:24:19
I fully agree with Nick Churchill. These scooters are a hazard in many ways, including as Casual Observer says a risk of catching fire. Shocking additional point from Nick Churchill about two deaths in the Harlow area.
Nostradamus
2025-03-20 18:45:25
Vehicles propelled by electric motors eg all variations on scooters need to be regulated perhaps compulsory insurance and driving tests and confined to routes designed and capable of ensuring safe travel. It has to be remembered that cars kill more people than scooters and scooters represent an affordable low pollution means of transport.
John Curry
2025-03-21 10:47:21
Just spent a few hours in Cambridge City centre where they have a authorised escooter scheme. Abandoned scooters clog the footpaths in the centre of town. But then they have defined footpaths and roads. It might be better here with the defined cycleways. Give it a go.
Ted
2025-03-22 08:32:17
Absolutely stupid idea. They are silent when running, so you couldn't get out of the way of them if they were coming from behind you. The pedestrian pavements are what they are called , for pedestrian s only
SJM
2025-03-22 22:27:26
Mr Gunn, you stated in the YouTube video that you have read the various comments on yourharlow in regards to this scheme, so if your reading this, let's see if your willing to confirm in response to this comment, that you, will be happy to use this scheme to travel around Harlow and that you will also be happy to recommend it to family and friends, let's see Mr Gunn if you will comment on your master plan!!
Resident
2025-03-24 10:22:20
Obviously the solution would be to bann the use of scooters unless a man with a red flag were walking in front of any scooter or similar electrically propelled vehicle. It worked when cars were introduced on roads and was much safer than when horse drawn carriages were used. Average deaths and reported serious injuries within the small bounds of the City of London before 1900 were around 610 per year. Only the better off can afford cars, limited speed scooters and small electric buggies are a way of providing personal low pollution transport for the many. Our built and transport environment is vastly and totally dominated by the car but people and planners don't see it. Scooters and the like need better regulation and routes where they can be used well defined.
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