Stronger powers could be used to protect people from the “risks of getting hit by irresponsible users” of e-bikes and e-scooters in Old Market Square.
Several no-go and low-speed zones are enforced across the city, including the market square, for e-scooters that can be rented out under the Dott scheme.
Similarly there is a no-go area in the Broad Marsh bus station and car park for e-bikes that can be rented out from the LIME operator.
However users of private e-scooters and e-bikes can still access these city centre areas, and concerns have been raised over their use at busy events in the city centre.
A senior Nottingham councillor has now confirmed a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is being considered for the Old Market Square to deter the irresponsible use of the vehicles.
A PSPO gives powers to council enforcement officers to deter troublemakers in specific areas, and allows fines to be handed out to those who break the terms of the order.
A breach of an order is a criminal offence, and failure to pay the fine in full can lead to a greater fine of up to £1,000, or prosecution.
During a meeting on Wednesday (December 3) Cllr Andrew Rule, of the Nottingham Independents and Independent Group, said: “I think there is an opportunity to prevent nuisance from e-bikes and e-scooters.
“Could I suggest you look into where we’ve got a high concentration of pedestrian events in the market square like Winter Wonderland and the beach, putting a PSPO that either bans e-bikes from going through, or at the very least insists on the rider dismounting and taking them through in a sensible approach?
“There is such a volume of people in a concentrated area, the risks of people getting hit by irresponsible users of e-bikes is something that really needs attention.”
Cllr Corall Jenkins, executive member for neighbourhoods, waste and equalities, confirmed the Labour-led authority was looking into more enforcement.
“In terms of the e-bikes that is being currently looked at at the minute,” she said.
“It is going to come back here to get approval to go out to consultation. We are already on that one, that is in the process of being looked at.”
There are around 1,300 e-scooters available to rent across the city.
As well as Old Market Square and The Park estate, the council has created no-go zones through the Victoria Centre and The Exchange for scooters.
