Source: Zag Daily

The UK’s government has passed the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill which introduces substantial changes to how transport is governed in England, including new rules around rental e-bikes.

The bill gives new powers to England’s local authorities for the licensing of shared-use e-bike operators, and to set requirements for parking, safety and accessibility. England’s individual local transport authorities will receive the powers, meaning that there will be a variation of standards from city to city.

The bill also creates a new category of Strategic Authorities, led by elected mayors, with enhanced power over transport planning and investment. The aim is to enable greater integration of networks across England, with locally tailored aspects. Spending and decision-making in mayoral authorities will be overseen by newly established Local Scrutiny Committees, with the aim of bolstering public accountability around transport, as well as other local services.

One of the most notable changes will be in London, where the new licensing powers will go to Transport for London (TfL), instead of the city’s 33 separate boroughs. This will create a unified, London-wide regulatory framework for the city’s dockless e-bike operators, in contrast to the preceding patchwork of local regulations.

Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said, “The Mayor and I welcome the work by ministers to give TfL proper powers to regulate the industry in London which will deliver higher standards, manage bike numbers and improve safety.” He also acknowledged that the piecemeal regulatory arrangement to date had undoubtedly caused problems, including a lack of rules in relation to poorly parked vehicles.

Alice Pleasant, Senior Public Affairs Manager of LEVA-EU member Lime, said that the bill is a positive move, though called for “clear evidence-based guidance” from central government to avoid the emergence of more patchwork regulation. “In the context of the UK’s ambitious national and local travel targets, it is crucial that any changes made do not hinder people’s ability to cycle more.”