Council set for £1 million spend on e-bike hire scheme in Hemel Hempstead

The authority’s Liberal Democrat cabinet will meet on Tuesday September 22 to discuss awarding a contract to the preferred bidder for the scheme.

While the bidder has not yet been revealed, papers published ahead of the meeting revealed that the council would pay just over £1 million towards the scheme from its Community Infrastructure Levy pot.

The pot is paid into by developers who build in the area, as a contribution towards local infrastructure.

A further £500,000 towards the e-bike hire scheme would be contributed by Herts IQ.

The principle of the scheme was approved by the council’s cabinet in February, with the initiative set to run for an initial three-year trial with the option for a further two years.

Bicycles will initially be located between Hemel Hempstead railway station and the Maylands area.

Adrian England, portfolio holder for place, has previously said that the scheme will “make it easier for people to choose healthier, cleaner, easier and more sustainable ways of getting around Hemel Hempstead”.

The council is aiming for 40 per cent of journeys within Hemel Hempstead to be made using active and sustainable modes of transport.

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