E-scooter go slow zones reintroduced in Bournemouth and Poole
It's to maintain safety during the summer season
A 'go slow' zone for e-scooters is returning to the promenades of Bournemouth and Poole this summer.
Beryl is reintroducing them in areas from the Jazz Cafe at Sandbanks in the west to Southbourne Beach in the east, past Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers, from July 1st.
GPS data and geo-fencing technology will be used to slow the vehicles down to a maximum speed of 3mph in those areas, with rides being encouraged to walk their e-scooters instead.
The slow zones were first brought in on a trial basis last summer in efforts to improve safety, following incidents of pedestrians being knocked over and injured by those on e-scooters.
Beryl CEO Phil Ellis said:
“It is safe and convenient to ride an e-scooter throughout most areas of Bournemouth and Poole, and they continue to provide a fun and cost-effective alternative to car travel, reducing congestion and carbon emissions.
“However, we know from previous experience and from working closely in partnership with BCP Council that the promenade areas are extremely popular during the summer months and attract thousands of people.
“It is therefore paramount that we not only consider the safety of the wider public, but also our riders too as people venture out to enjoy the picturesque scenery and many attractions.
“The technology involved in the ‘Go Slow’ zones is incredibly safe and has been vigorously tested by our operations team, so riders can be assured that when they enter these zones their e-scooter will gradually slow down to the set limit.”
Beryl will send push notifications to riders’ phones when they are entering these areas so they are aware of the incoming speed change.
These reduced speed zones which include the Bournemouth promenade and Christchurch, which will be visible in the app. “Go Slow” areas are shaded in yellow with a tortoise icon, and “No Go” areas are shaded in black with a stop sign icon. A clock icon will highlight the operating hours.
Beryl e-scooters can be used on roads, cycle lanes, carriageways and other areas where cycling is permitted but not on pavements. E-scooter riders will be required to provide a valid UK driving licence before using the vehicle.