Agenda item

RLeBrun took the report as read, though several points were highlighted. 

The PSPO whose continuation was under consultation related to prohibitions around cycling and skateboarding in a defined area, as well as spitting, urinating and defecating in a defined area.  In addition, the consultation had examined the issue of electric scooters in the town centre.  Cycling and skateboarding were still perceived to be a problem, with a large majority of support for the inclusion of this.  IT would not preclude people from dismounting and carrying their bikes or skateboards through the town centre.  There was also overwhelming support for the provisions on spitting, urinating and defecating.  The proposed addition related to prohibition of unauthorised electric scooters on a public highway within a defined area, excluding rental scooters and scooters for certain uses.  It was recognised that a trial scheme for electric scooters may be introduced in the future, and the proposed addition to the PSPO did not preclude this.  The approach would focus on e-scooters, but the PSPO could be amended to include manual scooters should this be deemed necessary at a later date.

As part of the consultation, many members of the public had suggested other additions to the PSPO, which would be reviewed and assessed in time, and the current provisions of the PPO would also be reviewed regularly during its three-year period of validity, should it be renewed. 

The report was noted, and the floor was opened for comments and questions.

Cllr Wyatt-Lowe pointed out that many members of the public felt threatened by the silent nature of e-scooters.  She questioned why a by-law was not in place to ensure that all scooters and similar vehicles had an approach warning mechanism fitted.  In response, this would be explored, though it was highlighted that the fitting of warning devices did not necessarily entail their use by the rider.

Cllr Stevens was pleased to see the proposed extension of the scope of the PSPO.  He then pointed out the inconsiderate nature of a number of cyclists on canal walkways, and asked whether speed provisions for cyclists on canal towpaths might be included in the PSPO.  Though this was possible, Cllr Stevens was advised that the capacity to enforce such a rule may prove challenging.  Another avenue may be to approach the Canal & River Trust about what might be done in partnership, including changes to towpath layout or educational initiatives.

The Chair challenged how enforcement officers might enforce the PSPO in general given the speed considerations implied.  In response, it was pointed out that within the town centre it was generally not possible to gain sufficient speed for this to pose a risk to the enforcement officers, though it was stressed that no officer would be expected to place themselves at risk of a collision.  Other avenues may also be explored, such as speed bumps.

Cllr Rogers was concerned that the PSPO might undermine efforts to increase electric scooter and cycle use from an environmental perspective.  It was pointed out that these considerations had been included within current deliberations.

Cllr England highlighted that the consultation reached 0.5% of the population, and suggested that evidence in support of the proposals was scant.  Cllr England also took issue with the wording and design of the survey.  He then suggested that an area might be defined within the town centre for people to traverse by bike or scooter, which might be a more universally acceptable solution.  Cllr Banks was in support of the sentiments expressed by Cllr England, though she highlighted that they related to responsible cycle use, and that the PSPO was greatly needed in order to prevent antisocial behaviour. 

Cllr Taylor asked whether it would be possible for a PSPO to impose speed limits for cyclists and scooter users.  The Chair reiterated the challenge of enforcing such restrictions, especially given the need to measure speeds exactly, as well as the need for clear rules from the point of view of those trying to abide by them. 

Cllr Banks advocated for the need to respect pedestrianised areas and not to build cycling lanes in areas that were currently fully pedestrianised.

Cllr England asked if there were any accident records from the Marlowes to back up this being necessary. RLeBrun responded that such records didn’t exist simply because they wouldn’t keep them, it was pointed out that the issue of irresponsible use of e-scooters and cycles at speed was a national issue and was in need of a solution.

Following the above considerations, the proposed PSPO for Hemel Hempstead town centre was approved.