Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 March 2024
82. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport when he will fund and encourage the Road Safety Authority roll-out a campaign on social media in particular aimed at tackling the dangers of users of escooters, motorised bicycles and bicycles (details supplied). [13272/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility for the promotion of road safety awareness, advertising, and the dissemination of road safety information. After legislation is passed and regulations put in place, the RSA will run a significant media campaign in relation to the legalisation of E-Scooters, setting out the rules, restrictions and technical requirements for their use on Irish roads.
They will also will run a separate information campaign in respect of e-bikes and e-mopeds, in conjunction with the Revenue Commissioners and the Department. This will outline technical details and requirements in terms of registration, motor tax, driver testing and licencing for e-mopeds in particular. The Road Traffic Bill 2024, which is expected to be signed into law in early Q2 2024, is amending the definition of the new class of vehicles known as Powered Personal Transporters (PPTs) introduced by the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023. Once the Road Traffic Bill 2024 is signed into law, the relevant section can be commenced and from there the remaining sections relating to PPTs and E-Bikes from the 2023 Act will be commenced. E-scooters will only become legal to use on public roads when regulations are passed in Q2. I must be clear that all road users are obliged to follow the rules of the road in the same way as any other road user. For instance cyclists are subject to a range of cyclist-specific Fixed Charge Notice offences, including those of cycling without appropriate lighting, breaking traffic lights, and cycling without reasonable consideration of others. The enforcement of all road traffic legislation is the responsibility of An Garda Síochána.
