All change for e-scooter fleet

anywhere in Europe.

“But it must also address the legitimate concerns residents often voice over poor and irresponsible e-scooter parking.

“Given our very ambitious West of England net-zero 2030 target, it is vital that these bright green electric WESTscoot, WESTbike and WESTcargo e-vehicles become a common and welcome sight across our region, for they are an important means to allow residents to reduce car use or give it up completely if they should so choose.”

He said contract clauses included “parking performance monitored on a monthly basis, with penalties on the operator if high standards aren’t met”.

They include stricter requirements to keep vehicles parked tidily within designated bays, and agreed numbers.

An exact date for the changeover has not been announced.

Tier’s Northern Europe vice-president Fred Jones said: "The expansion of the service to include e-bikes and e-cargo bikes makes it easier for the people of the West of England to choose to leave their car at home and pick the perfect vehicle for their journey, whether that is commuting, going to see friends or even doing the weekly shop.

“We are proud to have been selected as the operator for this UK-leading flagship service and look forward to the full launch this autumn.”

Voi UK, Ireland and France general manager Jack Samler said: “We are very proud of what we’ve achieved in Bristol and Bath and the legacy we’ve built. It is disappointing to be leaving these cities. There are several differences in the new contract compared to our existing contract, many of which will impact on our overall costs.

“At Voi, we believe schemes must be financially sustainable for operators to allow for continued investment in rider experience, safety and integration with other road users and pedestrians.

“This is critical for the industry long-term.

“We are not prepared to run any shared e-scooter trial at a loss."

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

BRISTOL City Council has secured a further £11 million from government to help provide more financial support for those travelling through the Clean Air Zone.

The additional funding secured will support more people who earn under £30,000 a year and businesses with larger fleets of more than five vehicles.

Financial support can significantly reduce the cost of replacing or adapting vehicles that don’t meet the emissions standards of the zone as set by national government. The council has already allocated almost £15 million to help people change to a cleaner vehicle.

Funding can include a grant, a contribution towards the interest on a loan, or a combination of both. There is up to £2,000 available to help upgrade a car and up to £4,500 for a van.

Vehicles don’t have to be brand new - replacement vehicles can be second hand as long they meet the zone’s emissions standards. Euro 4 petrol vehicles (roughly 2006 onwards) and Euro 6 diesel vehicles (roughly end of 2015 onwards) are not charged in the zone.

More information about financial support and how to apply can be found on the council’s website.

The Clean Air Zone was introduced in November 2022 after the government required Bristol City Council to meet legal levels of air pollution in the shortest possible time. The zone will help bring harmful nitrogen dioxide within legal limits by encouraging people to switch to cleaner vehicles or change how they travel.

No vehicles are banned from the zone, but older and more polluting vehicles must pay a daily charge to drive in a central area of Bristol.