Sinn Féin TD for Meath West, Johnny Guirke, has welcomed the ban on the use of e-scooters by anyone under the age of 18. Deputy Guirke stated that he has been contacted by many of his constituents who are living in fear of being hit by an e-scooter and today’s announcement of the ban for under 18’s as well as tighter measures for the use of e-scooters for adults is long overdue.
Teachta Guirke said: “I welcome the Government’s decision to ban the use of e-scooters by anyone under the age of 18 and to introduce mandatory helmet and high visibility clothing requirements. These are common sense measures that are long overdue.
“Sinn Féin has been calling for tighter measures on the use of scramblers and e-scooters for some time. I firmly agree with my party leader Mary Lou MacDonald that scramblers and e-scooters have become a scourge on communities across the state.
“Across County Meath, particularly in urban centres such as Navan and Trim, I regularly hear from residents who are deeply concerned about the wreckless use of e-scooters. People are being forced to jump out of the way of riders travelling at speed on footpaths and through busy pedestrian areas. Elderly people, parents with prams and young children should be able to walk through our towns without fearing that they could be struck by an e-scooter.
“The figures released by Children’s Health Ireland are deeply alarming. The increase in serious and life changing injuries, particularly traumatic brain injuries among children show exactly why stronger regulation is needed. One serious injury is one too many.
“The proposed licensing and registration system and the ban on the sale of e-scooters to minors should make it easier for An Garda Síochána to identify those responsible and to enforce the law effectively. It is vital that Gardaí are given the powers they need to tackle the reckless and dangerous use of e-scooters and scramblers in our communities.
“Residents in Meath are fed up with the dangerous behaviours they are witnessing on a daily basis. They want to see action, not just announcements. These new measures are a step in the right direction, but they must be backed by robust enforcement.
“Public safety must come first. Our streets and footpaths belong to everyone, and people should be able to go about their daily lives without fear of being injured by the reckless use of e-scooters.”
