On the 19th, Seocho District announced that starting in April, the Banpo Academy area will operate as a "scooter-free street."
The designated areas for the scooter-free street cover a total of 2.3 kilometers, including Seocho Central Road 29-gil, Seocho Central Road 31-gil, Seocho Central Road 33-gil, Gomurae Road 8-gil, and Gomurae Road 10-gil, all located in the Banpo Academy area.
This area houses the two largest public daycare centers in Seocho District. Additionally, there are a number of private academies attended by elementary, middle, and high school students, resulting in heavy foot traffic. Seocho District explained that shuttle buses for these academies run through the narrow alleys, increasing the risk of scooter accidents.
In May 2023, Seocho District requested that the Banpo Academy area be designated as a scooter-free street. Last December, it passed the traffic facility review by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, and the implementation will begin in April. Riding an electric scooter in this area may result in police enforcement, with a fine of 20,000 won imposed for violations.
Along with the Banpo Academy area, the Red Road area in front of Hongdae in Mapo District will also implement a "scooter-free street" starting in April. This region sees a large flow of people, and during Halloween and year-end festivities, safety management becomes necessary due to the huge crowds, raising concerns about electric scooter accidents.