Content

DECLARATIONS OF
INTEREST MADE FOR ITEM:
 
None
 
RESOLVED:
 
That Cabinet:

Approved the Council undertaking a
formal procurement exercise for the provision of dockless e-bike
hire services, with the purpose of appointing operator(s) to
officially operate these services in the borough.

Noted that following the completion
of the procurement process to appoint up to two service providers
in the borough, the contract award decision would be returned to
cabinet for approval.

 
Reasons for
decision
 
The purpose of the procurement exercise is to
secure new and improved agreements with appointed operator(s), to
govern the operation of these services.
 
A key objective of this approach is to achieve
warranted levels of revenue generation from these services. This
will support Council staffing and resourcing costs – for the
on-going management of these services – and will provide
sufficient recompense for the re-allocation of kerbside and
carriageway space – to provide dedicated parking locations
for these services.
 
In accordance with the Council’s
Contract Standing Orders, the awarding of contracts –
anticipated to be valued in excess of £500,000 – must
be subject to a competitive tendering process, as they are above
threshold.
 
To carry out a
procurement exercise would ensure there is competition between
prospective bidders, assuring openness and provide opportunities
for any operator in the market to bid on this opportunity.
 
Since dockless e-bike hire services began
formally operating in Haringey as part of an initial pilot/trial
scheme, dockless e-bikes have become an established mode of
transport in the borough, with substantial user and journey
figures, which have continued to increase over time. New
arrangements would allow the Council to support the provision of
these services, which is in accordance with broader transport and
active travel policies.
 
Alternative options
considered
 
The Council attempting to negotiate new
agreements with dockless e-bike hire service operators.
 
The Council could attempt to negotiate new
agreements with either the incumbent operators, or new operators.
However, this would not provide an open opportunity for other
operators in the market to bid to operate these services, while
this may hinder the ability for these agreements to deliver the
desired outcomes for the Council. Nevertheless, due to the
anticipated value of contracts, this option may be prohibited.
 
The Council not entering into agreements with
dockless e-bike hire service operators / do nothing
 
If the Council were to not enter into
agreements with operators, it is likely that these services would
still be in operation, but without any form of management or
governance from the Council. This absence of agreement may result
in a poor overall service, with no input or accountability from the
Council to maximise benefits (including revenue generation) and
mitigate issues, with the potential for reputational damage to the
Council.