Vehicle Registration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 March 2019

Thursday, 28 March 2019

Ceisteanna (164)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

164. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 447 of 5 March 2019 and 201 and 267 of 6 March 2019, the details of the research he has requested the Road Safety Authority to carry out; the scope of this research; the timeline for the completion of the process; if the Road Safety Authority or his Department plans to engage in public consultation on the matter; if so, the format the public consultation will take; when it will be carried out; when he will be in a position to examine whether or not to amend existing legislation in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14558/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As previously advised to the House, I have asked the Road Safety Authority to research how so-called e-scooters, which are classified as mechanically propelled vehicles in the Road Traffic Acts, are dealt with in other countries, particularly other Member States.

I am keen to understand the road safety implications of the use of such vehicles on public roads, especially alongside larger vehicles including cars, HGVs and buses. It is also important assess their possible impact on the safety on other vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, whether on segregated on shared road space.

Any decisions I make in relation to e-scooters will depend on the outcome of the Road Safety Authority's research, which will be provided to me on completion. The Authority has competing demands on its time, and this project will take its place amongst other high-priority tasks to hand.

The methodology of the research is a matter for the Authority.