bloomingyeovil

With Covid preventing are usual fundraising exercises I find myself resorting to the Internet and the help of my charities to put together this raffle, with prizes being donated by leading businesses in and around the town, the tickets are £2 each and can be ordered online by messaging either Karina Parsons or myself, where we will respond with full details.

The draw is on the 4th of May live on Radio NineSprings between 9:15 and 10:00.

Don’t miss out, you could be a winner and be enjoying Dinner for 2 with an overnight stay with breakfast at Lanes or parking free in the Quedam for a whole year.

To win it you must be in it, don’t delay.

Message – David Recardo or Karina Parsons today. Details are also on Facebook

You are receiving this email because we have been notified by Somerset Waste Partnership of missed collections in your Parish / Ward today. Please see the below list for locations affected. We ask that you kindly advise residents in your area if possible, to help spread the message of the missed collections and what action residents need to take.

Sorry; missed recycling in South Somerset 

Staff shortages have led to missed recycling collections today Thursday 18 February in and around Chilton Cantelo, Limington and Yeovil in South Somerset. 

List of affected roads below (if missed elsewhere, report as usual after 7pm on due day via My Waste Services at somersetwaste.gov.uk). 

We regret that immediate return collections are not possible; please re-present recycling next Thursday, 25 February from 6am. 

Rubbish, garden waste, clinical and bulky waste collections are NOT affected. 

For more recycling space, flatten and tear up card; rinse, quash and put tops back on plastic bottles; rinse and – if safe – crush cans. Stack boxes with heavier above and locked food bin on top. 

If materials cannot be stored or would present a health or fire risk, all recyclesites are on their usual schedules for essential visits only, and can take all kerbside materials for recycling. 

The only exception is food waste, which should be double bagged and put in your rubbish, or added to the energy-from-waste skip at any recycling site. 

All recycle site details, including essential safety measures: somersetwaste.gov.uk/allatall/  

Recycling checklist: somersetwaste.gov.uk/recycling-collections/  

If you need extra recycling containers, order them via My Waste Services at: somersetwaste.gov.uk  

Please observe all coronavirus safety advice for kerbside collections, including washing/sanitising hands before and after handing waste containers, disinfecting handles, and maintaining social distance from waste staff.  

For an explanation of coronavirus safety measures for collection crews and this month’s change to 6am starts, see: facebook.com/SomersetWaste/posts/3741870462515672 

For waste services recruitment, search SUEZ + careers and check local agencies. 

Apologies, Somerset Waste Partnership 

Roads expected to be missed in/around Chilton Cantelo, Limington, Yeovil 

Ashington Lane 

Blake Close 

Boreland Lane 

Cabot Road 

Cartier Close 

Cavendish Close 

Chilton Grove 

Church Street 

Collingwood Road 

Columbus Close 

Cook Road 

Cunningham Road 

Darwin Drive 

Drake Road 

Frobisher Road 

Gainsborough Way 

Gilbert Road 

Great Mead 

Grenville Road 

Hood Road 

Hudson Road 

Jellicoe Road 

Limington Road 

Livingstone Drive 

Lyde Road 

Mallory Road 

Milford Park 

Mill Lane 

Mountbatten Road 

Nelson Way 

Old Forge Court 

Pembroke Close 

Percy Road 

Raleigh Road 

Scott Road 

Shackleton Road 

Somerville Close 

Tower Road 

Wingate Avenue 

[end]

You are receiving this email because we have been notified by Somerset Waste Partnership of missed collections in your Parish / Ward today. Please see the below list for locations affected. We ask that you kindly advise residents in your area if possible, to help spread the message of the missed collections and what action residents need to take.

Sorry; missed recycling in parts of Mendip and South Somerset 

Coronavirus-related staff shortages have led to missed recycling collections today Wednesday 17 February in and around Brympton, Chilthorne Domer, Montacute, Tintinhull and Yeovil in South Somerset. 

List of affected roads below (if missed elsewhere, report as usual after 7pm on due day via My Waste Services at www.somersetwaste.gov.uk). 

We regret that immediate return collections are not possible; please re-present recycling next week, Wednesday 24 February, from 6am.  

Rubbish, garden waste, clinical and bulky waste collections are NOT affected. 

For more recycling space, flatten and tear up card; rinse, quash and put tops back on plastic bottles; rinse and – if safe – crush cans. Stack boxes with heavier above and locked food bin on top. 

If materials cannot be stored or would present a health or fire risk, all recyclesites are on their usual schedules for essential visits only, and can take all kerbside materials for recycling. 

The only exception is food waste, which should be double bagged and put in your rubbish, or added to the energy-from-waste skip at any recycling site. 

All recycle site details, including essential safety measures: www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/allatall/   

Recycling checklist: www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/recycling-collections/   

If you need extra recycling containers, order them via My Waste Services at: www.somersetwaste.gov.uk   

Please observe all coronavirus safety advice for kerbside collections, including washing/sanitising hands before and after handing waste containers, disinfecting handles, and maintaining social distance from waste staff.  

For an explanation of coronavirus safety measures for collection crews and this month’s change to 6am starts, see:www.facebook.com/SomersetWaste/posts/3741870462515672   

Apologies, Somerset Waste Partnership 

Roads expected to be missed: 

Broadleaze 

Cartgate Link Road 

Chilthorne Hill 

Church Street 

Derwent Way 

Durnfield 

Evesham Avenue 

Farm Street 

Green Mead 

Hallets Orchard 

Harbour 

Head Street 

Higher Ream 

Hillborne Gardens 

Houndstone Close 

Leaches Close 

Lime Kiln 

Little Trumps 

Long Close 

Long Mead 

Lower Ream 

Lower Town 

Marsh Lane 

Mill Lane 

Milton Close 

Montacute Road 

Old School Close 

Parish Mews 

Perrins Hill 

Pound Close 

Priory Glade 

Queen Street 

Queen Street 

Richmond Way 

School Close 

Sleight Close 

Sock Farm Lane 

Southcombe Way 

St James Park 

St Margarets Road 

Station Road 

Stonecroft 

Stonecroft Manor Farm Lane 

Thatcham Court 

Thatcham Park 

The Toose 

The Torre 

Thorne Lane 

Three Corner Mead 

Thurlocks 

Tintern 

Tintinhull Road 

Townsend 

Tresco Spinney 

Vicarage Street 

Yeovil Road 

[end]

Dear Members & Parish Clerks,

You are receiving this email because we have been notified by Somerset Waste Partnership of missed collections in your Parish / Ward today. Please see the below list for locations affected. We ask that you kindly advise residents in your area if possible, to help spread the message of the missed collections and what action residents need to take.

Sorry; missed recycling in South Somerset

Coronavirus-related staff shortages have led to missed recycling collections today Thursday 11 February inYeovil.  

List of affected roads below (if missed elsewhere, report as usual after 7pm on due day via My Waste Services at www.somersetwaste.gov.uk).  

We regret that immediate return collections are not possible; please re-present recycling next week, Thursday 18 February, from 6am.  

Rubbish, garden waste, clinical and bulky waste collections are NOT affected. 

For more recycling space, flatten and tear up card; rinse, quash and put tops back on plastic bottles; rinse and – if safe – crush cans. Stack boxes locked food bin on top. 

If materials cannot be stored or would present a health or fire risk, all recycle sites are on their usual schedules for essential visits only, and can take all kerbside materials for recycling. 

The only exception is food waste, which should be double bagged and put in your rubbish, or added to the energy-from-waste skip at any recycling site. 

All recycle site details, including essential safety measures: www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/allatall/

Recycling checklist: 

www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/recycling-collections/   

If you need extra recycling containers, order them via My Waste Services at: 

www.somersetwaste.gov.uk   

Please observe all coronavirus safety advice for kerbside collections, including washing/sanitising hands before and after handing waste containers, disinfecting handles, and maintaining social distance from waste staff.  

For an explanation of coronavirus safety measures for collection crews and this month’s change to 6am starts, see: 

www.facebook.com/SomersetWaste/posts/3741870462515672  

Apologies, Somerset Waste Partnership 

Roads expected to be missed: 

Yeovil (returning Thursday 18 February) 

Arundel Road 

Belvedere Road 

Blenheim Road 

Bucklers Mead Road 

Camborne Grove 

Camborne Place 

Charles Road 

Chatsworth Road 

Derwent Gardens 

Erica Close 

Greenhill Road 

Harbin Close 

Hathermead Gardens 

Hawthorn Road 

Heather Road 

Herblay Close 

Lingfield Avenue 

Lowther Road 

Lyde Road 

Marlborough Road 

Mayfield Road 

Meadow Road 

Monmouth Road 

Montrose Road 

Mudford Road 

Netherton Road 

Oaklands Road 

Oxford Road 

Rosebery Avenue 

Sedgemoor Close 

Sherborne Road 

St Johns Road 

Sunningdale Road 

Vale Road 

Welbeck Road 

Welland Road 

Wentworth Road 

Woburn Road 

Wyndham View 

[end]

Dear Members & Parish Clerks,

You are receiving this email because we have been notified by Somerset Waste Partnership of missed collections in your Parish / Ward today. Please see the below list for locations affected. We ask that you kindly advise residents in your area if possible, to help spread the message of the missed collections and what action residents need to take.

Sorry; missed recycling around Yeovil and nearby villages, back next week 

Coronavirus-related staff shortages have led to missed recycling collections today Wednesday 10 February in parts of Brympton, East Chinnock, East and West Coker, Higher and Lower Odcombe, Houndstone, Lufton, Yeovil. 

List of affected roads below (if missed elsewhere, report as usual after 7pm on due day via My Waste Services at www.somersetwaste.gov.uk).

We regret that immediate return collections are not possible; please re-present recycling next week on Wednesday 17 February from 6am.  

Rubbish, garden waste, clinical and bulky waste collections are NOT affected. 

For more recycling space, flatten and tear up card; rinse, quash and put tops back on plastic bottles; rinse and – if safe – crush cans. Stack boxes locked food bin on top. 

If materials cannot be stored or would present a health or fire risk, all recyclesites are on their usual schedules for essential visits only, and can take all kerbside materials for recycling. 

The only exception is food waste, which should be double bagged and put in your rubbish, or added to the energy-from-waste skip at any recycling site. 

All recycle site details, including essential safety measures: www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/allatall/   

Recycling checklist: 

www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/recycling-collections/  

If you need extra recycling containers, order them via My Waste Services at: 

www.somersetwaste.gov.uk   

Please observe all coronavirus safety advice for kerbside collections, including washing/sanitising hands before and after handing waste containers, disinfecting handles, and maintaining social distance from waste staff.  

For an explanation of coronavirus safety measures for collection crews and this month’s change to 6am starts, see: 

www.facebook.com/SomersetWaste/posts/3741870462515672  

Apologies, Somerset Waste Partnership 

Roads expected to be missed: 

Arnewood Gardens 

Balls Hill 

Broadway 

Brookside 

Brympton Avenue 

Burroughes Avenue 

Camp Road 

Campion Drive 

Cedar Fields 

Cedar Grove 

Celandine Road 

Chantry View 

Chapel Hill 

Cherry Lane 

Chinnock Huts Lane 

Christopher Close 

Church Lane 

Church Terrace 

Churlands Close 

Coker Hollow 

Coronation Avenue 

Coryate Close 

Crane Road 

Danielsfield Road 

Denzil Close 

Donne Lane 

Dorchester Road 

Dray Road 

East Coker Road 

Falcon Road 

Fennel Way 

Ferndale Gardens 

Finch Close 

Flax Way 

Foxes Rest 

Foxglove Way 

Gooseacre Lane 

Great Corner 

Grebe Road 

Green Lane 

Ham Hill Road 

Harrier Drive 

Hawk Road 

Hawkins Way 

Heron Drive 

High Street 

Higson Close 

Hillgrove Avenue 

Hobby Way 

Home Drive 

Kestrel Way 

Kingfisher Drive 

Kingsland Grange 

Kite Place 

Lapwing Close 

Larkhill Road 

Larkhill Road 

Little Tarratt Lane 

Long Run 

Lower East Coker Road 

Lower Odcombe 

Lower Turners Barn Lane 

Lower Wraxhill Road 

Lufton Lane 

Lufton Manor Road 

Malmesbury Way 

Manor Farm 

Manor Street 

Marl Close 

Montacute Road 

Muchelney Way 

Old Road 

Orchard Close 

Owl Court 

Pavyotts Lane 

Peregrine Close 

Perrythorne Park 

Pipit Way 

Placket Lane 

Poplar Drive 

Preston Road 

Raglan Terrace 

Redlands Lane 

Rex Road 

Sandhurst Road 

Sandpiper Drive 

Springfield Place 

Springfield Road 

St Andrews Road 

St Patricks Road 

Stiby Road 

Street Lane 

Sutton Grange 

Tarratt Road 

Teal Road 

Tellis Cross 

The Cleve 

The Regents 

Trellech Court 

Turners Barn Lane 

West Coker Hill 

West Coker Road 

Westbury Gardens 

Westminster 

Windermere Close 

Windmill Lane 

Woodpecker Close 

Wraxhill Road 

Yeovil Road 

[end]

Councils back Stronger Somerset proposal which now heads to Government

Somerset’s four District Councils have overwhelmingly backed the Stronger Somerset proposal for a fresh start for the county.

At Thursday’s Full Council meetings, councillors voted 149 in favour and 24 against across all four Districts to submit the full proposal to central government, with support drawn from across the political spectrum.

Central government has invited all councils in Somerset to submit bids for a new Unitary way of working in the county. They’ll make a decision on their preferred option next year. 

The District Councils – Sedgemoor, Mendip, South Somerset and Somerset West and Taunton – have designed a joint proposal called Stronger Somerset.

The Stronger Somerset plan sets an ambitious agenda for delivering a better and more efficient quality of services to its communities. 

Building a new way of working to address the poor quality of care received by children in Somerset has played a key part in the full Stronger Somerset proposal.

The plan to give our vulnerable young people the support they need through a fully joined up approach to services received massive backing from elected members.

It has been developed by some of the UK’s leading experts in childrens’ care and built upon by conversations and engagement with those who deliver and use care services. 

Stronger Somerset also offers a new relationship with town and parish councils, builds an economy for all with a commitment to greater social mobility and the potential for a devolution deal to bring more decision making power from Westminster. 

A recent survey by Ipsos Mori, one of the world’s leading research companies, found public support from Stronger Somerset outstripping One Somerset by more than two to one. 

In a joint statement, the Leaders of Somerset’s district councils said: “We’re delighted that the Stronger Somerset proposal is gathering support and momentum the more people hear about it. 

“It’s a vision for a future that Somerset deserves and can afford. 

“The County Council’s One Somerset plan doesn’t address the challenges we face and offers more cuts and chaos. It doesn’t have public support and is silent on too many key issues.

“Our model for two unitaries – in the east and west – will simplify local government while recognising the distinct geographic, social and economic differences in our county.

“It’s sustainable and modern and will give our communities more say on how their money is spent.

“With a Combined Authority able to bring proper devolution to our area, with the power to make big decisions locally and drive real investment, we can unleash the potential of Somerset and make it fit to face the future.”

All the latest news and information, including key documents, relating to Stronger Somerset can be found at www.strongersomerset.co.uk and you can also follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The latest version of the business case and other associated documents can be found here – www.strongersomerset.co.uk/case-for-change

Free parking will be offered in all of South Somerset District Council’s car parks in the run up to Christmas.

It is hoped the decision will encourage residents to shop locally and give businesses, the majority of which will have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, a much-needed boost.

This is when free parking will apply:

·         All car parks will be free from 3pm on Thursday 10 December until 8am on Friday 11 December to support events such as late night shopping.

·         Free parking will be offered all day and every day from Thursday 17 December to Thursday 24 December.

·         Please note, although parking fees are waived, all other terms and conditions remain in force.

Council Leader Val Keitch said: “We realise what a tremendously difficult year this will have been for so many of our businesses across all our towns and villages.

“While we have been doing all we can to offer support, through the distribution of Government grants and dedicated advice, we wanted to ensure we did something extra during what should be the busiest time of year for our retailers.

“Of course, it remains important that shoppers and visitors continue to do all they can to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 and follow the latest Government guidance with South Somerset currently in Tier 2 of restrictions. We need to work together to both help our local economy while keeping ourselves and everyone around us safe.”

South Somerset District Council also continues to offer free car parking to critical key workers.

We would ask anyone who is a critical key worker to ask their employer for a note or use the passes provided by NHS trusts that they can clearly display in their vehicle stating who they work for and we will ensure they do not receive any penalty notices at this time.

Census 2021 will provide a snapshot of modern society

Households across South Somerset will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021.

The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.

It will be the first run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets.

“A successful census will ensure everyone from local government to charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed,” Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the Office for National Statistics, said.

“This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, schools and new transport routes. That’s why it is so important everyone takes part and we have made it easier for people to do so online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them.”

Census day will be on March 21, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March.

The census will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, for the first time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.

For more information, visit census.gov.uk<http://census.gov.uk&gt;.

COVID-19: Business Support Grants available during new national lockdown

With new national lockdown measures coming into place on Thursday 5^th November, the Government has announced further funding to support businesses that are legally required to close during the lockdown period.

Eligible businesses will be able to apply for a Business Support Grant of up to £3,000 from 11^th November and this will cover the 28 day national lockdown period. The funding will be provided on a rolling 28 day period for as long as the lockdown restrictions apply. 

Is my business eligible for a Business Support Grant?

Funding support is available for those businesses that are legally required to close and are business rate payers. Businesses that have been required to close by Government include:

·         Non-essential retail

·         Leisure

·         Personal Care

·         Sports Facilities

·         Hospitality

If your business continues to operate as a takeaway, click and collect or online with delivery services, you will still be counted as closed because your substantive business has had to close.

How much can I apply for if I am eligible?

Business Support Grant payments are dependent on the Rateable Value of your business and the amount you can apply for is set out in the below table:

Rateable Value

Business Support Grant total

£15,000 or under

£1,334 per 28 day qualifying restriction period

£15,001 – £50,999

£2,000 per 28 day qualifying restriction period

£51,000 or above

£3,000 per 28 day qualifying restriction period

How do I apply?

Applications will be open from 12.00pm on Wednesday 11^th November and our online application system can be accessed by visitingwww.southsomerset.gov.uk/covidbusinesssupport. You will need to be registered for a basic ‘My Account’ in order to apply and can do that online atwww.southsomerset.gov.uk/register.

I applied for a Business Support Grant during the first lockdown. Can I apply again this time?

Yes you can. This is a Business Support Grant that covers the 28 day national lockdown period between Thursday 5th November and Wednesday 2nd December 2020.

How long does it take to process an application and how do I find out if and when I will receive the grant support?

We are expecting a high volume of applications during this short period of time. We have reassigned some staff to help deal with the expected extra workload and we are ready to process applications as soon as we receive them.  We will work through them as quickly as possible. In addition, the Government may still make changes to the grant scheme and we may have to get back to you for more information.

Once we have all of the information we need to process your application, you will receive a decision and/or a notification of when to expect the grant support payment. During this time, we ask that you are patient and give our team 14 clear days before you follow up your application.

Are there any exclusions?

There are some exclusions to businesses who cannot claim the Business Support Grant. These include:

·         Businesses that are able to continue to trade because they do not depend on providing direct in-person services from premises and can operate their services effectively remotely (e.g. accountants, solicitors)

·         Businesses that are not mandated to close any part of their service

·         Businesses that have chosen to close but have not be required to

·         Businesses which have already received grant payments that equal the maximum levels of State aid permitted under the de Minimis and Covid-19 Temporary State Aid Framework

·         Businesses that were in administration, are insolvent or where a striking off notice has been made.

What other support is available for my business?

In line with other Local Authorities, South Somerset District Council has also been awarded an ‘Additional Restrictions Grant’. This fund has been provided to offer additional business support activities in the local area.  We are currently considering how to best allocate this funding and will provide updates on our website and social media channels as soon as possible.

We also will update our Covid-19 business support section of our website as much as possible with other avenues of support atwww.southsomerset.gov.uk/covidbusinesssupport.

Council Leader Val Keitch said: “This is clearly a challenging time for all businesses and at South Somerset District Council we are committed to doing all we can to support businesses through the current crisis.

“We’ve acted quickly to try and inform businesses how they can access Government Business Support Grants and I am grateful to the staff at South Somerset District Council for moving swiftly to get processes in place and inform businesses across the district of the help and support they can receive.”

As a District Council, we have implemented many actions from Thursday 5th November for public safety in line with new Covid-19 restrictions.

In addition, South Somerset District Council will continue to work will local community organisations to ensure those who are vulnerable or facing hardship are supported, and facilitate a number of grants to local foodbanks.

The council will also continue to ensure anyone who is homeless or facing homelessness has a safe place to stay.

The Council is also issuing payments to those that are entitled who are required to self-isolate.

For the latest information about Coronavirus in the UK, including how to keep yourself and your community safe, visit the Government website.

If you are facing financial hardship and need support, please contact South Somerset District Council on 01935 462462 or use our online form –https://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/life-events/coronavirus-support/who-can-i-speak-to/.

The Somerset Coronavirus Support Helpline number, 0300 790 6275, is also live to help you access help you may need, including emotional support, in the current crisis.

ENDS

Notes for Editor

To view all of our news releases, please visit www.southsomerset.gov.uk/latest-news

South Somerset District Council is also on social media:

www.twitter.com/southsomersetdc

www.facebook.com/SouthSomersetDistrictCouncil

www.youtube.com/southsomersetdc

South Somerset District Council launches e-scooter trials with Zwings

Britain’s leading micro-mobility operator, Zwings, has partnered with South Somerset District Council to launch a fleet of e-scooters in Yeovil today 22nd October 2020.

This scheme will be run under the official e-scooter trials initiative, authorised by the Department for Transport (DfT). Private use e-scooters remain illegal on UK roads, however these trials are allowing the DfT to review how authorised rental e-scooters are used in a controlled and monitored environment.

Zwings is providing a sustainable, convenient and socially distant mode of travel for the local community and visitors for the next 12 months for the DfT trial. They have created jobs for the local community and are working with a growing number of stakeholder groups to design, implement and manage the fleet’s operation. Around 60% of car trips are between 1 to 3 miles and the majority of which are made by the driver alone, causing local air pollution which is bad for health and CO2 emissions, impacting on climate change.

With the declaration of a climate emergency, there is an urgent need for solutions that will directly reduce unnecessary car usage in order to lower carbon emissions, reduce air pollution and congestion and improve health and wellbeing.

Zwings is operating a ‘regulated parking model’ rather than a traditional ‘free floating’ scheme found in most cities. This means riders have to end their ride via the app in a designated e-scooter parking bay rather than simply anywhere. This helps to reduce parking clutter and makes it easier for riders to find available vehicles faster. Zwings’ rental scheme will start with 40 e-scooters and then will scale relative to uptake. Battery levels are monitored and regularly swapped with recharged ones that are powered via a renewable energy tariff. Their staff will also soon use an electric van to travel around town to find, relocate, santise and maintain the e-scooters.

South Somerset Portfolio Holder for Environment, Councillor Sarah Dyke, said: “We are very excited to be one of the first local authorities to trial the official Department for Transport e-scooter scheme. We hope residents and visitors to Yeovil will embrace this initiative and replace their short about town car journeys to this emission free alternative.”

“This is an innovative trial and we have worked closely with Zwings, to adopt a model that fits the requirements and safety restrictions we’ve requested for this pilot scheme. We have worked with Avon and Somerset Police as part of our ongoing consultation to evolve the trial and ensure safety is paramount for users and non-users.”

Richard McKiernan, Traffic Management Officer at Avon and Somerset Police added: “Whilst the trial offers a new and exciting way of moving around the area, we strongly recommend that users take the time to understand the rules of their use and the importance of personal safety while on the road.

“I would urge anyone who owns a personal e-scooter to take note of the laws around their use and not to use it on roads and public areas even during this trial. Remember – an e-scooter is a ‘vehicle’ and that any misuse can lead to penalty points being endorsed on your driving licence.”

How can you ensure the scooters are safe and will not be misused?

Zwings have assured us that by working closely with the police, delivering rider education, making effective use of GPS technology and closely monitoring their use will help to mitigate possible concerns. Any scooters being misused or taken outside of the designated scoot areas will power down automatically and if required, this can also be done remotely in seconds. Please note, Zwings are continually reviewing the service based on community feedback and welcomes all recommendations of new parking bays or general feedback to be sent directly to their community email:
community@zwings.co.uk<mailto:community@zwings.co.uk>.

Joe Lewin, Zwings CEO, commented: “We recognise that whilst these are new vehicles to our country’s streets and are very exciting we must remain cautious with their implementation. Hence, why we are starting with a small fleet and scaling incrementally. Ultimately, our mission is to make mobility safer, accessible and more environmentally sustainable.

The first few months will be crucial to gain an understanding of the level of community engagement. This way we can continually seek to improve our service to meet the needs of the local community, including vulnerable groups such as the partially sighted.

“We have a number of safety focused initiatives to promote or incentivise safe and responsible scooting, parking as well as the sanitisation of equipment. For example, our online questionnaires offer riders the opportunity of earning additional rider credits for successful completion of the questions. We will also undertake safety workshops at key locations across the area to encourage people to ‘trial before they ride’. As we are doing with other local authorities across the UK, we are keen on making available custom branded e-scooters exclusively for use by the police (if they would like them) in order to patrol on. This will help to deliver an impactful message to riders considering on misusing them”

Where are the scooters and what do I do if I want to use one?

In order to rent a Zwings e-scooter, please read the following:
1)    Firstly, you need to be 16 or above and have with you a minimum of a provisional licence for a one-time verification (before your first ride) when you arrive to your e-scooter. Download the Zwings app on your smart phone via your App store
2)    Find an e-scooter on the app’s map. You will find these in any of the parking bays. Upload your driving licence details and 45 seconds later you should be verified
3)    Scan the QR code to unlock and to start your ride.
4)    Enjoy the electric thrills but please scoot responsibly
5)    End your ride in any of the designated bays

Does it cost anything to use one of the Zwings e-scooters?

To rent a Zwing e-scooter in Yeovil, they are £1 to unlock via the Zwings app and then 15p per minute of rental. If you pause your ride the cost is 10p per minute.

It must be noted that any personally owned e-scooter being used is still classified as illegal by the DfT and you can be prosecuted for using one on public roads and pavements. The DfT has only enabled Zwings operated e-scooters to be used in the South Somerset’s e-scooter 12 month trials and have been formally vetted.

Please remember to enjoy the e-scooters safely

·         Riding an e-scooter on a pavement is illegal

·         Riding is permitted anywhere cycles are officially allowed

·         For your own safety, don’t ride on roads with a speed limit above 30mph, unless there is a segregated cycle route.

·         Only one user per e-scooter

·         You are encouraged to wear a helmet

·         Watch out for pedestrians and other road users who may not be used to seeing e-scooters

To find out more including frequently asked questions visit https://www.zwings.co.uk/pages/faq.

Have fun and stay safe as you scoot about your day!