Government action on e-scooters welcome but enforcement is key
Government action on e-scooters welcome but enforcement is key - The Labour Party
Labour’s Transport spokesperson Ciarán Ahern has said that he broadly welcomes the Government’s commitment to enhancing regulations and safety measures around the use of e-scooters, but stressed that Gardaí must be given the necessary enforcement powers if they are to be effective.
He stated that e-scooters are an important mode of transport for commuters, but that the significant increase in the number of children presenting with head injuries following e-scooter accidents demanded a response.
Deputy Ahern said:
“The Government’s decision to strengthen regulations around the sale and use of e-scooters is welcome. Figures from CHI present a stark picture of the consequences of their misuse and the enormous damage that can be caused to children when accidents occur. This is, ultimately, a public health issue.
“E-scooters are a legitimate, affordable and sustainable mode of transport. The overwhelming majority of people who use them are commuters getting to and from work. I welcome the Government’s retreat from an outright ban in that regard, which would have been a blunt instrument. Most e-scooter users do so responsibly and legally.
“The key now will be enforcement. The Government has committed to giving the Gardaí a greater degree of indemnity in chasing after e-scooters where they suspect they’re being used illegally. This is a positive step, as Gardaí are often hamstrung under current regulations around engaging in a pursuit. It’s vital that they’re given the necessary powers and protections to allow them to do their job effectively.
“We also need to see much stronger enforcement of rules around advertising e-scooters. It’s ridiculous that they’re still being marketed towards children in shops and in online ads. Retailers must be held accountable if they’re found to be targeting e-scooter sales towards under 18s. Many of these e-scooters that are available to purchase exceed the 20km/h speed limit. I note that just yesterday Amazon announced that they were removing e-scooters that exceed the limit, and other retailers must now be compelled to do likewise.
“Illegal alterations is another issue that needs to be urgently addressed. We know that some people get them illegally modified to increase the top speed or remove the limiter entirely. This is enormously dangerous and must be cracked down on. We should have a zero tolerance policy regarding e-scooters that do adhere to Irish regulations.
“We need to encourage people to use alternative and cleaner modes of transport, but they must do so legally and there must be consequences for anyone who flouts our regulations. Safety should always be the paramount consideration, especially at a time when the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads is going in the wrong direction.”