CURRENT LAWS continue to be ignored on e-scooter regulations and public safety is at risk, a West Clare nurse has warned claiming that their use in Kilrush is “chaotic”.
June Dillon (AON) who contested the 2024 General Election for Aontú has called for the urgent introduction of a nationwide enforcement campaign on e-scooter regulations.
Her party has written to the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien (FF) and to the Office of the Garda Commissioner, calling for a coordinated national initiative between the Department of Transport and An Garda Síochána to ensure e-scooter legislation is properly enforced on the ground.
Compliance on the legislation governing e-scooters is poor with enforcement inconsistent according to June. “People are regularly witnessing e-scooters being used on footpaths, by underage riders, without helmets, carrying passengers, and weaving through busy pedestrian areas. This behaviour puts older people, children, people with disabilities, and the riders themselves at serious risk”.
She claimed that problems associated with e-scooters are particularly evident in Kilrush. “Kilrush has been particularly affected by the chaotic and dangerous use of e-scooters by groups of children, teens and young adults, operating e-scooters at speed weaving between driving cars or on footpaths, without care of roundabouts or pedestrian crossings”.
In her correspondence, Ms Dillon proposed a clearly branded, time-limited national enforcement and awareness initiative, such as a ‘Smart E-Scooter Month’, combining strong Garda visibility with clear public education. She said such a campaign should include, visible Garda enforcement in both urban and rural areas, clear public messaging on legal requirements and penalties, engagement with schools, colleges and workplaces plus collection and publication of enforcement data to ensure accountability
“Public confidence in e-scooter regulations will only be restored when people see that the rules actually matter. That requires leadership and coordination at national level. This cannot be left to piecemeal or ad-hoc local enforcement. A national campaign will only work if An Garda Síochána and the Department of Transport work hand in glove. High Garda visibility, consistent enforcement and clear messaging are essential if we are serious about safety in our towns and villages,” the Kilmurry McMahon woman said.
