In Brussels, a stricter framework applies to shared scooters, bicycles and scooters from February 1. The number of shared scooters will drop from 20,000 to 8,000 and the scooters and bicycles may only be parked in the designated zones.
The providers who are still welcome in the capital were chosen through a public tender. For the shared scooters, these are Bolt and Dott, both of which are allowed to operate 4,000 scooters. However, the Council of State is now drawing an end to that arrangement. All rejected operators who still have a permit will be given the opportunity to operate in the capital again.
“Disappointed”
“We urgently needed a reform of the e-scooter sector, to make public spaces more serene and safer for pedestrians and people with reduced mobility,” Minister Van den Brandt responded. “I admit that we were very disappointed when we were confronted with a legal guerrilla by the e-scooter operators, who had requested this reform themselves and had agreed to it after extensive consultation.”
The minister does say that he is pleased that the Council of State has confirmed the legality of parking in drop-off zones and the system of parking fines. “Since January 1 we have seen a real improvement and footpaths have become more respected – although it is not yet perfect.” The Council of State also maintains the fine system under which operators who do not comply with the rules can be excluded.
Regarding the number of operators active in the region and the number of steps per operator, the minister regrets that the Council of State has not given permission to switch more quickly to a system with two operators. “However, the Council does show the legal possibilities to do this in the future and for this we will work together with Brussels Mobility,” it added.
More later.
Tags: Council State suspends scooter reform scooters allowed streets today
