Yangju City to Operate Two 'E-Scooter-Free Zones' Next Year

Yangju City responded to reports that teenagers operating unlicensed e-scooters in the Okjeong Central Commercial District area are threatening public safety.

After receiving such complaints through the "Direct Text Complaint Service to the Mayor," Mayor Jung Deok-young personally visited the site to seek improvement measures.

Mayor Jung Deok-young stated, "As teenagers' use of e-scooters has increased recently, concerns about safety among parents and citizens are growing. What matters most is the lives and safety of citizens. Rather than responding after accidents occur, it is important to identify and prevent risks in advance."

In fact, safety accidents have occurred due to unlicensed e-scooter operation by teenagers in Baekseok-eup, Yangju City, prompting parents and citizens to call for practical countermeasures.

Considering the limitations of the current legal framework in completely restricting e-scooter use, Yangju City plans to introduce the "E-Scooter-Free Zone" project being implemented by other local governments including Seoul City.

The city is reviewing a plan to designate and operate one pilot zone each in the eastern and western regions of Yangju in the latter half of 2027. To this end, the city plans to establish detailed implementation plans including target area selection and operating methods by the end of this year and secure related budgets.

Additionally, to ensure effective operations through enforcement against e-scooter traffic restrictions and collection of illegally parked devices, the city has decided to establish a close cooperation system with the Yangju Police Station.