One of the challenges of running and e-bike or e-scooter share scheme is ensuring that users park responsibly. All sorts of tech solutions are being employed, but Lime recently resorted to something pretty old fashioned – parking wardens.
Some share scheme operators provide specific docking stations for vehicles, while others rely on geo-fencing technology that will only allow users to end rides in particular locations. (Another operator, Tier, is currently testing e-scooters fitted with a new package of sensors and software that it says should result in greater parking accuracy.)
Lime reckons most of its users park responsibly, but it also recognises that any exceptions will inevitably draw attention from the wider public.
Repeat offenders are fined or banned from the service and the firm also says it will move any vehicles that are reported as parked inconsiderately within one hour.
Ahead of the bank holiday weekend, it introduced Lime Parking Wardens bear busy e-scooter bays in Central London. ‘Good Parking Notices’ were handed out to educate riders on considerate parking, with a free ride token to say thank you.
Lime’s advice to users is:
- Park all e-scooters in designated parking bays
- Don’t block pedestrian walkways or pavements
- Or entrances to underground stations or bus stops
- Park away from private properties
- Stay clear of driveways or accessibility ramps
Hal Stevenson, Senior Public Affairs Manager at Lime UKI said: “Providing safe and sustainable transport is at the heart of what we do. We know most of our riders park responsibly and we want to thank them.
“The introduction of parking wardens enables us to reward our customers and help them better understand what constitutes responsible parking, and why it’s so important to ensure our service is inclusive. Our increased foot patrol also lets us correct any incidents of misparking in a time efficient manner, with the aim to make all journeys more efficient and enjoyable for all.
“At a time when we face an air quality crisis in the Capital and a global climate emergency, the volume of people we’re seeing cycling in London is something to be celebrated. We’re proud to be working with London boroughs and transport partners to help create a more sustainable, accessible capital for everyone.”
Lime says it plans to launch its parking wardens in other London locations in the coming weeks.
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