Tokyo¡¯s Shibuya Ward will introduce new regulations on street kart rental operators starting July 1, marking the first such measure in the country.
The small, go-kart-style vehicles ¡ª often seen driven by tourists dressed in various costumes around Shibuya¡¯s scramble crossing ¡ª have become a staple part of Tokyo¡¯s inbound tourism scene. But in recent years, they have also drawn complaints from locals, citing issues such as noise, unpleasant smells and unsafe driving.
According to the ward, the main problematic behavior from kart users is dangerous driving, especially by crowding intersections to take photos. They also contribute to traffic congestion, particularly in the surrounding area of the street kart facility.
Under the revised ordinance, kart rental operators planning to set up new locations in the ward will be required to submit documentation to the ward at least 30 days in advance.
The documentation needs to include the company¡¯s safety protocols, driving routes and license plate numbers. Operators must also sign a pledge to comply with safety standards ¡ª such as properly maintaining vehicles and establishing a complaint hotline. Companies must also conduct community briefings for the residents of areas where the kart facility is to be set up, although there may be exceptions in some cases.
While the ordinance does not impose penalties for noncompliance, the ward plans to publicly name violators on its official website. It also plans to share business information with travel agencies to further promote compliance.
¡°There have been ongoing concerns from residents about noise and disruptive behavior,¡± Mayor Ken Hasebe said during a news conference Tuesday. ¡°There are limits as to what we can achieve as a ward, but we looked for things we can do within those constraints. We hope people understand that we are doing as much as we can.¡±
Shibuya officials say four companies currently operate six rental kart locations within the ward, with some previously set up in residential neighborhoods. Existing businesses will not be subject to the mandatory notification rule but are encouraged to cooperate voluntarily.
¡°We believe this will have a positive impact,¡± said Hasebe. ¡°We will share these developments with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and national authorities, and hope it spurs broader policy discussions.¡±
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.