Seoul City Begins Pilot Operation of 'Kick Scooter-Free Streets' – A First in the Nation
It has become challenging to find kick scooters in Hongdae Red Road and Banpo Academy area in Seoul. This is because these areas have been designated as the nation's first 'kick scooter-free streets.'
As accidents related to kick scooters continue unabated, concerns among pedestrians have grown, prompting Seoul City to take strong measures.
On the 12th, Seoul City and the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced that they will operate 'kick scooter-free streets' in two road segments: Hongdae Red Road in Mapo-gu and Banpo Academy area in Seocho-gu, starting from the 16th.
In accordance with this new regulation, personal mobility devices defined under the Road Traffic Act, such as electric kick scooters, electric two-wheeled vehicles, and electric bicycles, will be banned from operation in the designated areas between 12 PM and 11 PM.
Seoul City explained that they chose to implement time-restricted operations instead of a comprehensive 24-hour ban in order to minimize backlash from personal mobility device users.
This is the first instance in the country where the operation of personal mobility devices is restricted.
In the case of Hongdae Red Road, the restrictions have been confined to segments R1 to R6, excluding residential areas. To enhance visual recognition, auxiliary signs that specify the time and areas of the ban will be attached to the no-entry signs, along with markings on the road and banners.
Violators of the ban will incur a fine of 30,000 KRW and 15 penalty points on regular roads, while in child protection zones, the fine will be 60,000 KRW and 30 penalty points. However, considering this is the first implementation of such measures nationwide, the initial five months will focus on promotion and guidance.
Additionally, any electric kick scooters that violate parking regulations in the restricted areas will be towed immediately, incurring a towing fee of 40,000 KRW, plus a storage fee of 700 KRW for every 30 minutes.
Seoul City, local autonomous district offices, and police will deploy a joint promotional campaign with a total of 120 personnel in the first month.
Lee Jang-gwon, head of Seoul City's Traffic Department, stated, "We plan to analyze the effectiveness of this pilot operation on personal mobility device bans in September and decide whether to expand it to other areas. There will be a five-month promotional and guidance period following the implementation."
Image source: Starting from the 16th, the Mapo-gu Red Road in Seoul has been designated as the first ‘kick scooter-free street’ in the nation, where the operation of personal mobility devices will be completely banned from 12 PM to 11 PM. / Seoul City, Seoul City.
