The E-scooter trial in Salford has been extended until November 2022 after a successful start with 180,000 trips made so far.
The trial, which began in September 2020, has seen scooters provided by Lime travel more than 325,000 km across Salford. Despite initial concerns raised by councillors, a report suggested that there have only been a small number of incidents of anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
“I am pleased to see there are very few incidents of vandalism despite my concerns. It is beyond me how this is the case when you see how they fly past you on the roads,” Cllr Bill Hinds said at the Property and Regeneration Briefing.
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Cllr Jim Cammell spoke highly of the e-scooters at the briefing after travelling through Salford on one. He did have trouble getting through Trafford Bridge due to roadworks but said overall the experience was a positive one.
A report from Salford City Council suggests there has only been one accident involving the e-scooters, which involved a rider who was travelling in traffic at the junction of New Bailey Street and Chapel Street.
“While the rider was knocked off the e-scooter, the incident was minor in nature,” the report said.
The trial was initially proposed in three phases, with phase one wholly on University of Salford's campus. Phase two extended to Media City with use on public highways with phase three extending the area of operation from the University of Salford, Salford Quays to the border with Manchester city centre and all areas in between.
The Department for Transport expects that legislation for the use of e-scooters will be in place by the time this new extension ends. “The most popular routes are between Middlewood Locks and Chapel Street, as well as between the University of Salford’s Frederick Road campus and Manchester City Centre border,” a council report said.
“We are working with Lime Peel, to increase parking locations in and around Salford Quays to try and encourage more trips to Salford Quays. Once the Trafford Road cycleway works are complete this will also allow further trips to be made to Salford Quays.
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“Lime have agreed with Salford Royal Hospital to operate the e-scooters within the campus. We have had only a handful of complaints from members of the public. These seem to stem from April/May 2021 onwards, and reflect the extended operational areas, the increase in the number of e-scooters being made available along with the reduction in stay at home requirements.
“Lime has responded to complaints and reduced the number of e-scooters in certain areas at certain times of the day to reduce issues with members of the public.”
