09 September 2008
Source: LocalGov.co.uk ()

MPs ride into town on illegal Segways (video)


Robin Mannering

A group of MPs and Peers this week rode on Segway Personal Transporters (PT) from the House of Commons to the Department for Transport as part of a cross-party campaign to lift a public ban on the device.
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Among those present at the demonstration were Liberal Democrat MP Lembit Opik, Conservative Shadow Lords DEFRA spokesman Earl Attlee, and Conservative Peer Earl Liverpool. They were joined by several Segway commuters.
 
Arriving at the DfT, the convoy handed a letter to the Government calling for a Segway PT trial to see how people in the UK could benefit from the devices, and a defined route-map to regulatory approval.
 
Current legislation does not allow use of Segway PTs other than on private land.
 
Opik told LocalGov.co.uk they were a safe, ‘green’ and efficient alternative to the car, and should not be seen as competition to the bicycle.
 
He added: ‘The British Government seems paralysed with indecision. On the one hand they say that the Segway PT isn’t legal. On the other hand, they are unable to point to a single scrap of evidence in British law to show why they should be banned.’
 
The devices can be used in public space in most European countries, and 45 US states. They have a top speed of 12.5 mph and can be charged from a wall outlet for a few pence a day.



Your comments

I just can't understand why in UK everything is so hard to go forward or why everyone accept being treated like idiot.. you will soon need a permission (and pay TAX) if you want to walk with red shoes, just because it is red :),

H. Oliv, computer programmer , Added: Tuesday, 21 October 2008 05:17 PM

I would like to be able to trial / introduce these for our Neighbourhood Wardens in North Lincolnshire to maximise the area they cover and speed to up response times to service requests. I would like the Wardens to be considered in any trial to asses their potential in this role.

Stephen Coulman, Neighbourhood Response Team Manager, Added: Monday, 15 September 2008 02:52 PM

Hopefully commonsense will prevail. If they redue congestion, are more environmentally friendly than other form of transport, then they should be encouraged. The one major flaw is the initial price.

Brian Sloan, Professor, Napier University Edinburgh, Added: Thursday, 11 September 2008 12:38 PM

@Mr Byham: Segway PTs are fun and you should be able to try one out via the many tours and attractions that are springing up around the UK. They even use PTs in Disney World but that's probably too far to travel! A number of official dealers exist throughout the UK and I'm sure they would all be willing to let you try them out.

Gareth Brandwood, LegaliseSegways.co.uk, Added: Thursday, 11 September 2008 10:38 AM

@Mr Fogg: It would be great is RoSPA and the HSE did conduct risk assessment. I'm sure the outcome would concur with other independent studies that have already been carried out, outside of the UK. They have all shown that PTs are low risk devices and blend in well with pedestrian traffic, in pedestrianised areas and cycle lanes.

Gareth Brandwood, LegaliseSegways.co.uk, Added: Thursday, 11 September 2008 10:37 AM

@Mr Green: Allowing people to see and experience a Segway PT is a great way for them to "get it" and appreciate just how safe and enjoyable the devices can be to use. Sometimes words and pictures just aren't enough. You have to try these things out. I have a load of campaign business cards with facts and info on them they would help. Just get in touch.

Gareth Brandwood, LegaliseSegways.co.uk, Added: Thursday, 11 September 2008 10:32 AM

I'm thinking it would be good to arrange a publicity event in my Town Centre involving a demo of the Segway PTs - getting local people to think about smarter travel choices and to join the campaign for making PTs legal.

Lee Green, Environmental Strategy , Added: Thursday, 11 September 2008 08:48 AM

I have been hoping to introduce these for our Town Wardens in Worthing to maximise the area they can cover in a day and speed up any response that is needed. I saw the Segway work to great effect in the USA and can't understand why some trials cannot be approved to asses their true potential.

Sharon Clarke, Worthing Town Centre Manager, Added: Thursday, 11 September 2008 08:46 AM

Brilliant - why does this country suffer so much from over-caution? The use of these should be encouraged, not dismissed under a pile of dubious regulations. Next thing you know we'll have RoSPA and the HSE all coming out with risk assessments and all kind of reasons why they shouldn't be permitted.

Lance Fogg, Managing Consultant, Atkins Transport Planning and Management, Added: Thursday, 11 September 2008 08:35 AM

It sounds and looks fun, where and when can I buy one?

Maurice Byham, Waverley BC, Added: Wednesday, 10 September 2008 11:38 PM



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