New scooter scheme

A NEW e-scooter rental scheme in Bristol will see parking spaces move onto roads in designated spots, instead of on pavements.

Expected to be introduced during the spring or summer, the new scheme is also likely to include electric bikes.

Swedish company Voi has run a scooter rental scheme on a trial basis since October 2020.

But a new long-term scheme is now planned and the West of England has opened the contract to other bidders, with a "significant number" expressing an interest in e-bike rental.

Bristol City Council plans to address some issues on “parking and rider behaviour” with the current Voi e-scooters by shifting parking spaces from virtual spots on pavements onto clearly marked areas on the road, as already introduced in London.

A council cabinet report said: “It’s proposed to formalise rental parking hubs, bringing them under Bristol City Council control and physically marking the parking locations.

"The current model of unmarked virtual parking spaces on pavements selected by the e-scooter operator resulted from the original trial being set up at short notice, and only being planned to run for 12 months.

“With government plans to legalise e-scooters and for rental schemes to operate in the longer term, a more effective parking management regime is required. It’s proposed that the majority of parking hubs are sited on roads rather than pavements."

Pavement parking will still be used where this does not obstruct pedestrians and where parking is not possible on the road.

The council still needs to find funding for new on-road parking hubs.

Voi, whose trial scheme has clocked up more than seven million rides so far, will carry on running e-scooters in Bristol until a new contract for the scheme starts, so there will be no gap in provision.

The cabinet report said adding e-bikes would improve the range of options available and attract a wider range of people.

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

using clear speech and modelling words to ensure that children understand and develop their skills.

"They listen to children and value what they have to say, and ask questions to encourage thinking and conversation."

The report also highlighted the use of singing and storytelling and opportunities to explore books.

Manager Liz Tomlinson said: "I was delighted at how well the inspection went, but we were confident at the outset that we would be able to convey what an excellent pre-school we are."

She said the inspector "witnessed firsthand the loving, caring and nurturing values that govern our pre-school" and praised the "amazing" staff.

Liz said that since the start of the pandemic children had predominantly been learning outdoors,

"It's been absolutely brilliant for the children - their behaviour and social skills have improved and we've seen so many improvements in all of their areas of development.

"We don't have to tell people to stop running around when they are outside.

"There's a much calmer atmosphere, and it's a lot more cooperative and healthy."