Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
1091. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the regulation of personal powered transports will be expedited in view of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6988/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPowered personal transporters, or PPTs, are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles, the use of which requires a licence, tax and appropriate insurance in accordance with section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. As PPTs do not fall under any existing vehicle category, it is not currently possible to tax and insure them and there is no licence category for them. Therefore their use is strictly prohibited on public roads and in public places. Any changes to this require primary legislation would be a matter for a new Government to decide.
Before legislating for the use of PPTs there should be appropriate infrastructure in place that does not endanger either other vulnerable road users or those using PPTs.
In the current context, in several jurisdictions it has been noted that there were significant increases in demand on accident and emergency medical facilities due to PPTs. This would not be advisable here given the ongoing demands on our health service due to the Covid 19 pandemic and so any change that may create such additional demands would also have to be subject to consideration from that wider public health viewpoint.
