As of yesterday (27 December 2022), the two companies became the latest train operators to introduce a ban on all e-scooters, hoverboards, and e-skateboards within stations and on train services in Greater Manchester and across the UK, as safety concerns over the risks posed by the Lithium-ion batteries that typically power these devices continue to rise.
Lithium-ion batteries can produce a vapour of toxic gases and lead to a fire or a risk of explosion if damaged or overheated, the train operators explained.
Avanti West Coast and TPE have joined several other train operators in banning these devices from this week, and this comes after Northern notably banned them on its 345 trains and at 500+ stations across the North of England at the start of this month too.
Northern said customer and staff safety was its “number one priority” when it introduced the ban.
ADVERTISEMENT
Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express ban all e-scooters over ‘safety concerns’ / Credit: Let’s Kick (via Unsplash)
“As these devices have become more and more popular, so have the horror stories of lithium batteries overheating and catching fire,” the train operator explained.
“Most of these devices are not actually approved for use in the UK, and our staff will refuse travel to anyone attempting to board one of our trains, or access one of our stations with such a device.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Avanti West Coast echoed similar concerns, and confirmed in a statement that the ban is temporary and intended to “preserve the safety of our colleagues and customers until there is greater regulation on e-scooters”, before going on to ask the public to “adhere to these new rules” and “be kind to our staff helping to enforce them”.
TPE called the risks associated with e-scooters and similar devices something of “significant concern”, and referenced the fact that most of these devices are “not approved for use in the UK”.
The safety concerns over the risks posed by the Lithium-ion batteries that typically power these devices / Credit: Michel Grolet (via Unsplash)
Currently, the only e-scooters legal to use on UK roads are those taking part in government-approved rental trial schemes – which began back in 2020 to help gather data for the potential full legalisation of the devices.
ADVERTISEMENT
E-scooters are actually classed as motor vehicles, which therefore means that the rules that apply to motor vehicles also apply to e-scooters – including being in possession of a full UK driving license, insurance, and the need to be taxed.
Mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs, and e-bikes are all exempt from all bans.
With the bans now introduced, customers who are travelling with mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs on each of the three train providers are being advised to contact the companies ahead of their journey to arrange assistance.
Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
News
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed that seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic if one should arise.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it’s ‘very poorly’ prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it’s ‘very well’ prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
When workers were asked how the NHS’s level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it’s no better prepared.
16% actively think it’s less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England – from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services – will now be ranked quarterly against ‘clear and consistent’ standards.
Emily Sergeant -
28th December 2022 
