Rental e-scooter company, Voi, is advising riders to plan their journeys in Cheltenham between 12 and 15 March as there will be changes due to the Cheltenham Festival.
E-scooters are a sustainable and convenient way to access the racecourse, helping to reduce traffic and congestion during the popular Festival – but riders are reminded that drink-drive laws also apply to e-scooters.
A new temporary parking area will be available inside Gate 1 at the racecourse and nearby parking bays at New Barn Lane and Cleevelands Drive will be temporarily closed due to road closures in the area at certain times.
Anyone caught by the police riding an e-scooter while over the drink-drive limit could face arrest and substantial sanctions, which could include a fine, disqualification from driving any vehicle and imprisonment.
The operator’s in-app reaction test will be activated daily from 4.30pm, to mitigate the potential risk of drink scooting.
Voi’s pioneering Reaction Test assesses a rider’s reactions, which decrease significantly after consuming alcohol. Whether the rider passes or fails, they are advised that drinking and riding is not only dangerous but is also potentially a serious offence. Voi advises riders who fail the Reaction Test to choose another form of transport.
Jack Samler, Voi regional general manager UK, Ireland and France, said: “This is our first year of operating e-scooters in Cheltenham during the festival and we’ve been working closely with the festival organisers, local police and the council to contribute to the event’s success.
“Scooting is a great way to get to the races as long as riders follow the rules.”
“Safety is at the forefront of everything we do at Voi and while we know that the majority of e-scooter riders do ride safely and responsibly, we are taking extra measures to help ensure everyone can enjoy a day at the races safely.”
Cllr Dave Norman, chair of the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership, said: “Gloucestershire wants to welcome all race goers to the marvellous Cheltenham Festival. We want everyone to enjoy the festival safely and strongly encourage everyone to act responsibly, importantly including observing safety on our roads and drink/drug driving laws.”
Voi closely monitors its operations and irresponsible or unsafe use is enforced with user bans. Incidents of bad riding practices are well managed and 0.02% of total Voi account holders (UK-wide) have been blocked.
Unsafe riding or inappropriate use of Voi e-scooters can be reported to report.voi.com via the Voi app or website.