Scoot Safe campaign prompts better parking

Instances of poor parking involving hire e-bikes and e-scooters have fallen since the summer, thanks to collaboration between the Mayoral Combined Authority and operator Dott.

New figures this week – Road Safety Week – show that over 11,000 penalties have been issued since the Scoot Safe campaign was launched by the region’s Mayor and Police & Crime Commissioner in late August.

Speaking from Bath to BBC Points West in September, the Mayor confirmed that 1,400 penalties were issued in the first week alone. Month-on-month, the number issued is steadily decreasing, as more people park properly. The percentage of rides which now end in a fine has been more than halved in less than three months. In the first week or so of November, just 1.1% of journeys have been issued with a parking fine.

The Scoot Safe campaign champions responsible riding and parking to ensure smooth, sustainable, and safe journeys for all. As part of it, operator Dott introduced the penalty scheme for riders, providing a key tool in combating inconsiderate usage. Rides must end in designated bays, verified by an in-app photo. Poor parking risks a £10 charge – rising to £15 if left outside the trial’s operating area, helping keep pavements clear and safe for pedestrians.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, says:

“Scoot Safe emphasises the need for responsible riding and parking across the West. We are determined to strike a better balance on our streets and address some valid concerns. However people choose to travel, I want to thank everyone who does the right thing on our roads.

“It’s great to see that, as our campaign reaches more people, less penalties are being issued for bad parking. With the commitment of operator Dott, now almost 99% of their riders park properly without incurring a penalty – helping make our pavements tidier and safer for everyone, including Disabled people.”

Clare Moody, the Avon & Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC), says:

“E-scooters are convenient and a sustainable option for travel, but they must be used safely and within the law. Only hire-scooters can be used on public roads and private e-scooters are illegal. The Scoot Safe campaign is effectively changing behaviour by making the rules clear and enforcing them, with penalties falling. It’s good news to see more riders keeping pedestrians and other road users safe.”

Iqbal Ahmed, Head of Public Policy UK & Ireland at Dott says:

“Responsibility is at the heart of everything we do. We’re delighted to see our users adopting better parking habits, a clear sign that the Scoot Safe campaign is driving better behaviour. Responsible parking is a crucial step towards ensuring that everyone can share the road safely.”

The West of England e-scooter trial, run by Dott, is one of the largest and most successful in the UK and Europe, with over 1,500 e-bikes and 2,500 e-scooters in the network. Around 10,000 rides are being taken daily through the trial by people getting to work, to the shops, or connecting to the wider bus and train network across the region.

Original press release by the West of England Combined Authority