St. Petersburg authorities are considering a ban on courier services using personal mobility devices and bicycles in several central districts, sparking concerns about delivery accessibility and potential price increases. The proposed restrictions, outlined in a draft decree by the Transport Committee, target the Admiralteysky, Central, Vasilieostrovsky, and Petrogradsky districts, excluding reclaimed territories and Krestovsky Island.

The Transport Committee justifies the measure by citing resident complaints and accident statistics. Deputy Chairman Mikhail Kazakov emphasized the consideration of public opinion and accident data, stating that all feedback would be analyzed in the coming weeks.

According to the draft decree, the ban encompasses couriers delivering goods on personal mobility devices and bicycles, including those with electric motors. Mopeds are currently excluded, though sources suggest this may be a temporary oversight.

The proposed restrictions have drawn criticism from industry representatives. Alexander Mityukov, head of the MAX Association of Transport, Logistics and Postal Courier Companies of Russia, expressed surprise at the proposal and highlighted potential issues such as increased delivery costs, parking problems for car couriers, and traffic congestion. He noted that the ban could lead to St. Petersburg having some of the most expensive and longest delivery times in the country.

The decree also includes requirements for couriers, such as wearing uniforms with reflective elements, maintaining a neat appearance, and displaying identification numbers on their bags and vehicles. The Transport Committee stated that the numbering system is intended to help identify couriers who flee accident scenes.

The Transport Committee plans to monitor compliance with these regulations and maintain a register of couriers, including a blacklist for those who violate the rules. Yandex, a major delivery service, acknowledged ongoing discussions with the city, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accessibility for residents and hoping for a balanced solution based on the experience of other cities.