PARTS of Dorset are likely to get a e-scooter hire scheme – after unanimous approval at committee stage.

The proposal trial for the combined Dorchester, Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell area and, separately, around Upton and Corfe Mullen, is now likely to gain the approval at Dorset Council's Cabinet and full Council later in the year.

Concerns were expressed about poor driving and the risk to pedestrians and people using them in unsuitable area, such as shopping precincts.

Councillors were told that GPS technology could exclude the machines from specific locations and that riders would need at least a provisional driving licence to be able to hire one.

Cllr Piers Brown said that although riding on the pavement was not allowed it was likely that people would take to the pavements, in the same way that many cyclists do, because most roads were considered too busy to be safe.

He said he welcomed the trial, having used the machines while on holiday, enjoying the experience.

Other councillors were also keen – Cllr Roland Tarr and Cllr David Taylor among them.

"I like this scheme, it should go ahead… this scheme could control this activity in the county and stop foreign built machines which go a lot faster," said Cllr Tarr, a keen cyclist.

Cllr Taylor said: "I'm looking forward to it, it's a brilliant scheme, I'm looking forward to getting on one."

But the Conservative shadow environment spokesperson, Cllr Sherry Jespersen, was less enthusiastic, telling fellow councillors: "I can't recall a paper coming to council with so many downsides, so many concerns.

"The downsides for a great many people seem to be significant.

"We could be introducing something which is problematic for a lot of our residents."

The meeting heard that the hire machines would be limited to 15mph and geo-fenced to stop them being taken out of the area they were licenced for, or excluded from particular areas. Unlike non-hire machines they are completely legal for road use as part of an authorised trial.

Cabinet lead for highways Cllr Jon Andrews says the scheme will help reduce carbon emissions: "If the scheme went ahead, it would be designed to safely and responsibly support local journeys, reduce car use for short trips and give people more choice," he said.

The proposed scheme has been met with reservations, including from Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick.

In a submission to the council he said there was worries about collisions, pavement riding, poor parking, misuse in busy public areas and the strain on already stretched officers.

He said he was not satisfied enough protections were yet in place and urged caution before the scheme goes ahead.

Disability groups have also warned of the impact on blind, partially sighted and mobility-impaired pedestrians, particularly where scooters obstruct footways or are ridden in pedestrian areas.

Supporters say e-scooters could cut short car journeys, reduce emissions and improve access to work, education and public transport. The council points to evidence from national trials and neighbouring Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, where the Beryl scheme has logged hundreds of thousands of journeys.