Dr. Rachel Aldred:

I will add one point to what Mr. Keegan said. We must ensure we hear from all sections of the community. Consultations, meetings and so on will not necessarily attract everyone. For instance, we do not hear children's voices enough; we do not hear from them formally in consultations. How do we involve them in decisions that are being made? Very often the decisions adults are making will restrict children's freedom. It is about trying to extend involvement.

I agree that there is need to have a regulatory framework for e-scooters. When one thinks of the risk, one has to look at the distance travelled. They are new and when one moves from zero usage and, therefore, zero injuries, one will have an increase in the number of injuries. Is important to obtain data for usage to look at the risk and compare it with other modes. One also has to look at the risk posed to others. When one looks at risk posed to others, clearly the main risk to pedestrians is posed by motor vehicles. Heavy goods vehicles pose a particular risk to them. Risk should be looked at in these terms. I would be very surprised if such a mode posed a higher risk to pedestrians than motor vehicles. That said, there is a comfort issue in pedestrians feeling comfortable and safe on the footway. The footway is not the place for light electric vehicles travelling at relatively high speeds compared to pedestrians. That is another reason there is a need for better, safe and protected cycle infrastructure. These devices may fit in cycle lanes, but if one does not have safe cycle lanes, people will use them on the footway, which is not desirable. That is another reason to build good cycling infrastructure.