Компания Lime извинилась перед слепой парой за блокировку тротуаров электросамокатами в Лондоне

Lime apologises to blind couple over blocked path - Published E-bike company Lime has apologised to a blind couple after an app glitch led to bikes being left to block pavements in south-east London. Jessica and Jason Beal, who live in Penge, said an influx of e-bikes left on footpaths created dangerous hazards. Describing a recent encounter on his route, Jason said an abandoned bike forced him to go into the busy main road with his guide dog. Bromley Council does not permit Lime to operate in the borough. However, a now-fixed issue with Lime's app mistakenly enabled users to start and end rentals in Penge, which borders the neighbouring borough of Lewisham where the service is authorised. Jessica said: "We really think bikes is a great way to get around, especially in London. "It's just to for people to be much more mindful of where they're leaving them and the speed they're riding them." Lime confirmed it had updated its geofencing technology to block rentals and parking across the Penge boundary. A spokesperson for Lime said they were sorry about the issues caused for the couple. "We acted fast to remove any bikes in Penge when alerted, and have tightened our geofencing to avoid this becoming a regular occurrence." Bromley Council welcomed the correction to the app but warned it would take tough action if the problem recurred. Simon Fawthrop, executive member for transport and highways, said the council had long-held misgivings about bikes that are "strewn across pavements causing multiple hazards". He warned the council would take action to remove the Lime bikes and then charge Lime for the cost. Mike Wordingham, from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), said the incident highlighted a broader issue for disabled pedestrians in London. He said research by the sight loss charity found 81% of blind and partially-sighted respondents said bikes and e-scooters left on pavements made their journeys harder, and 11% said the issue stopped them going out altogether. Liam Conlon, the MP for Beckenham and Penge, said there needed to be proper contracts in place to ensure e-bike firms behaved in a responsible way. He called for more designated parking zones and time limits for firms to remove e-bikes and scooters causing a nuisance. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, external, X, external and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to [email protected], external - Published26 February - Published3 July - Published23 July