Brendan Smith
Ceist:79. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport what his Department is doing to tackle the issue of e-scooters being dangerously parked on footpaths. [34603/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 12 July 2023
Ceisteanna (79)
Freagraí scríofa
The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 introduces a new class of vehicles, powered personal transporters or PPTs. E-scooters will be classified as PPTs and will become legal to use on Irish roads when regulations governing their use and technical specifications, including power, weight and speed, are in place. This is expected to be in Q4 2023.
The issue of e-scooters being dangerously parked or abandoned on footpaths in other countries is more relevant to rental than privately owned e-scooters, My officials are working with local authorities and rental scooter providers to establish common rules for the use and parking of rental vehicles. In addition, legislation for the use of bicycles will be extended to e-scooters and they will be subject to the same rules of the road and penalties. Their use will not be permitted on footpaths.
Enforcement of road traffic offences is a matter for An Garda Síochána. Until e-scooter regulations are in place, their use on public roads and in public places remains illegal. An Garda Síochána may confiscate them and users may also be prosecuted for road traffic offences.