The City of Perth has decided to suspend the hire of e-scooters following a tragic incident where a pedestrian lost his life after being struck by an allegedly drunk rider. Thanh Phan, a 51-year-old father, passed away due to a brain bleed after being hit by an e-scooter at an intersection in the city center. The rider, identified as British backpacker Alicia Kemp, was taken into custody at the scene, and her charges were later upgraded following Mr. Phan’s death.
This unfortunate event has prompted the City of Perth to take immediate action by halting e-scooter rentals to ensure public safety. Deputy Lord Mayor Brian Reynolds expressed that the suspension was a necessary response to the tragic incident and emphasized the need to act responsibly and respectfully. The decision to suspend e-scooter hire services came after thorough consideration of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Phan’s death.
While e-scooters have become a popular mode of transport in many cities worldwide, concerns over safety and regulation have been raised in light of this incident. The Australian Medical Association WA president, Michael Page, highlighted the growing number of severe injuries related to e-scooter usage, with at least one person admitted to the trauma unit daily due to e-scooter accidents. Dr. Page stressed the importance of balancing the benefits of e-scooters with the associated risks.
Despite calls for stricter regulations and improved enforcement of existing laws regarding e-scooter use, the tragic death of Thanh Phan has sparked a debate on the need for more robust governance and safety measures. Mr. Phan’s family and friends issued a statement urging authorities to review safety regulations surrounding e-scooter rentals to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Neurone Mobility, the supplier of e-scooters to the City of Perth, expressed their respect for the decision to suspend the service temporarily while investigations into the incident continue. The company assured cooperation with the council and law enforcement agencies, acknowledging the impact of the suspension on individuals who rely on e-scooters for transportation.
As the City of Perth grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, the broader discussion around e-scooter safety and regulation continues to evolve. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of balancing innovation and convenience with public safety in urban environments. Moving forward, stakeholders are expected to engage in constructive dialogue to address the challenges posed by e-scooter usage and ensure the well-being of all road users.
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