SAFETY concerns have prompted a call to action to clamp down on the illegal use of e-scooters and off-road bikes in Reading.
Riding an e-scooter is currently not permitted on public roads and footpaths, unless they are part of a hire scheme or ridden on private property.
But that hasn’t stopped the spike in the number of e-scooters whizzing round the town often in pedestrian areas and roads, which has led to safety concerns.
Additionally, there have been long-running complaints about dirt bikes being used in Reading parks, including Prospect Park and the Mapledurham playing fields.
The issues were discussed by Reading councillors as part of a motion calling on the council to work more closely with Thames Valley Police to tackle speeding, reckless and dangerous driving, and the unnecessary risk to road users and pedestrians alike – including the illegal use of off-road bikes and e-scooters.
The motion involved the request for the council’s chief executive writing to Thames Valley Police chief superintendent for Berkshire, Sarah Grahame, to undertake a borough-wide initiative to reduce the illegal use of e-scooters and off-road bikes.
The motion was introduced by Cllr Raj Singh (Conservative, Kentwood) but it was substantially adjusted in an amendment by the ruling Labour Party.
Conservative councillors accused Labour members of politicising the issue.
During the debate, Cllr Isobel Ballsdon (Conservative, Caversham Heights) said she had recently heard of two concerning incidents.
In one, an e-scooter “shot out of nowhere” at the pedestrian crossing in Caversham Road, forcing a driver to do an emergency stop.
In the other, a cyclist “whizzed past” an elderly resident in Broad Street, nearly hitting her.
Cllr Ballsdon said: “The council needs to do better. This original motion would have helped move things forward, it would have improved the lives of our residents. The political posturing does [nothing].
“I’d like to be able to go back to my residents and say, ‘I’ve been to a council meeting, we’ve made a difference’.”
Meanwhile, Cllr Jason Brock (Labour, Southcote) the leader of the council, called the accusation that Labour members politicised the issue ‘inappropriate’.
Ultimately, an amended motion introduced by Cllr Tony Page (Labour, Abbey) the lead councillor for transport, was passed.
This instructs the council’s chief executive to write to the Department for Transport asking for clear legislation on e-scooter use. No mention was made of off-road bikes in parks.
In a vote, all Labour, Liberal Democrat and most Green councillors voted for Cllr Page’s motion, with Conservatives voting against it and Cllr Kathryn McCann (Green, Redlands) abstaining.
It is understood the Liberal Democrats and Greens would have supported Cllr Singh’s unamended motion as well if it came to a vote.
