By Cara Sulieman
EDINBURGH’S hated “blue meanies” are going green with the introduction of electric scooters.
Parking enforcers will be trying out the S4 scooter next week and if it is successful it will be rolled out across the service.
Made by a local company, Saltire Winds, the sleek scooter will allow wardens to get around quicker and reach places where parking is more difficult.
NSL provides the enforcers for the council, and is hoping that the vehicles will help them up their green credentials.
“Environmentally friendly”
Tim Cowen, spokesman for the company, said: “Our operations are generally pretty green.
“Most parking attendants are on foot and, of course, parking management such as the kind we specialise in is also very environmentally friendly because it encourages responsible car use.
“There are, of course, occasions when we need to use scooters so we are always on the lookout for something environmentally friendly.
“We introduced a cycle patrol last year which has proved a success and we hope this trial will continue in that regard.”
“Large savings”
The S4 can go 100 miles on a single charge, which costs about eight pence, and are 99.9 per cent emission free.
Saltire Winds’ Nigel Robinson said: “We are delighted to be trialling the S4 scooter with the city council and are confident that we are in a position to help contribute to significant reductions in CO2 emissions, couple with large savings in the cost of their day-to-day business.
“We also hope to demonstrate to the general public and everyday commuters that there is a viable alternative to the combustion engine to get around town, while contributing positively to the environment.”
The council is trying to help the Scottish Government reach its target of cutting carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.
“We must act now”
The Transport Convener, Gordon Mackenzie, said: “If next week’s trial is a success, and NSL choose to invest in a fleet of electric scooters, not only will they be supporting local business, they will be supporting our efforts towards reducing emissions and improving air quality, while maintaining safe, steady traffic flow through the streets of Edinburgh.
“The council has a duty to meet local our quality standards set by the European Union and, if we a re to meet the standards set, we must act now.”
