Calls have been made to ban E-scooters from Didcot's Orchard Centre once they are introduced to the town.
Oxfordshire County Council has announced it could introduce Voi e-scooters in a number of towns in the county.
The announcement came after it decided to award a new ‘micromobility’ contract, covering hire bikes and e-scooters, to Voi, a company which has been allowed to operate e-scooters in Oxford for a number of years on a 'trial' basis.
The award of the new contract meant rival e-bikes company Lime has been forced to withdraw from Oxford.
Now Voi e-scooters could be introduced in county towns including Didcot, Abingdon and Bicester, although no dates yet have been set for the roll-out.
READ MORE: E-bikes company Lime makes shock announcement
Didcot South district councillor Mocky Khan said he welcome the introduction of a properly regulated Voi e-scooter scheme in Didcot, "provided that safety and responsible use are at the heart of it".
"Regarding the Orchard Centre, I strongly believe that its pedestrianised areas should remain safe spaces for shoppers and pedestrians.
"I would support making these areas a no-ride zone for e-scooters, particularly given the number of elderly residents, families and people with mobility difficulties who use the centre.
"Riders should use appropriate cycle lanes and roads rather than weaving through shoppers. I would want the county council and Voi to explore how this could be enforced, including through technology that restricts where scooters can operate."
Mr Khan added that he could see the potential benefits of e-scooters in Didcot, especially for those travelling between the railway station, town centre and surrounding residential areas.
However, the district councillor added he has some serious concerns about misuse.
He said: "I have personally witnessed e-scooters being ridden irresponsibly, sometimes at excessive speeds, with passengers on board or with shopping bags hanging from the handlebars. I have also seen riders wearing balaclavas, which can appear intimidating, particularly to elderly or vulnerable pedestrians.
"There is also the wider problem of privately owned e-scooters being used illegally on public roads and pavements.
"My position is straightforward: I welcome the technology, but not irresponsible behaviour."
Mr Khan added that there should be designated parking bays for the Voi e-scooters to avoid scooters being "abandoned or scattered across Didcot's pavements, creating obstacles, looking untidy and potentially causing accidents".
The councillor called for the scheme to be carefully monitored once it was introduced.
Didcot West county councillor Ian Snowdon said while the county council’s longer-term transport plans do include the possibility of e-scooters in Didcot, immediate proposals appear to be for an e-bike hire trial across Science Vale, which includes Milton Park.
He added: "I’m not opposed to new transport options, particularly if they help people travelling between Didcot Parkway and local employment sites.
"However, I have serious reservations about introducing hire e-scooters without proper consultation and safeguards.
"I already receive complaints from residents about cyclists riding on pavements, sometimes putting pedestrians at risk. Introducing e-scooters could make matters worse unless there is effective enforcement."
Mr Snowdon added most residents in the town would prefer to see improvements to congestion, road safety and pedestrian crossings before another transport initiative was rolled out.
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