AS progress by the government plans to curb the dangerous use of e-scooters a number of politicians have added their voice in welcoming the much needed legislation to ensure safer and proper use of them. Indeed at many council meetings it has been drawn to the attention of Meath County Council to take action.
From August under 18’s will be banned from their use, with helmets and hi-vis jackets to be worn by users. There will be legislation to licence the use and they will be regarded as mechanically propelled vehicles. There may also be an outright ban that ”the Taoiseach has not ruled out.”
Aontú’s Cllr Emer Tóibín has made reference to the need for legislation and along with others see the importance for the safety of the users and the general public. At the June meeting of Navan MD, it was pointed out to councillors nothing could be done on public roads, it is a matter for the Garda to enforce. The members could pass by-laws for the local parks but that would take time ,Director of Services Martin Murray told members.
Cllr Tóibín, said ” I welcome the Government’s proposals to make the use of e-scooters safer. While e-scooters have become a popular and convenient mode of transport, their rapid growth has highlighted the need for clearer rules, greater accountability and stronger protection for all road users.
One of the most positive changes is the proposal to restrict the legal use of e-scooters to those aged 18 and over. This is a sensible measure that recognises the responsibility required to operate a motorised vehicle safely on our roads. It should also reduce the number of underage riders who are currently using e-scooters illegally.
The requirement for riders to wear helmets and high-visibility clothing from next month is another welcome development. These are simple but effective measures that can significantly reduce the risk and severity of injuries while making riders more visible to motorists, particularly during the darker months and in poor weather.
Equally important are the proposals for licensing and registration. A registration system, with clearly displayed registration plates, will make users identifiable and ensure that riding an e-scooter is no longer an anonymous activity. That accountability should lead to much better behaviour on our roads and footpaths, as riders will know they can be identified and held responsible if they break the law or behave recklessly.
”Licensing and registration should also make it much more difficult for minors to circumvent the law. Too many people have witnessed e-scooters travelling at excessive speeds on footpaths, weaving through pedestrians, carrying passengers, or being driven carelessly in busy public spaces. This creates understandable concern, particularly for older people, parents with young children and those with disabilities.
”However, none of these proposals will achieve anything of real significance unless they are backed by clear, consistent and highly visible enforcement. Legislation on its own will not change behaviour. Laws only work when people know there is a real likelihood that they will be enforced.
”That means An Garda Síochána must be assigned in sufficient numbers to actively enforce these new regulations across our towns and cities. The introduction of licensing and registration will make riders identifiable, but those measures will only be effective if Gardaí have the resources and capacity to stop offenders, enforce the law and hold irresponsible users to account.
These reforms are about more than regulating e-scooters; they are about protecting pedestrians, improving road safety and creating a culture of responsibility and accountability.”
