Laois group seeks clarity on protection of Gardaí enforcing e-scooter laws
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The group was told one e-scooter seized by Gardaí in Laois was capable of doing 80kph
The new iteration of Laois Joint Policing Committee has written to the Minister for Justice and other committees nationwide seeking clarity on protections for Gardaí who will have to enforce planned new e-scooter laws.
Vice Chair of the new Laois Community Safety Partnership – a body which met behind closed doors in Laois on Tuesday - Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley, said committee members were fully supportive of proposals to ban the use of e-scooters by under 18 year-olds.
However, she said the members were concerned that protections need to be in place for Garda members who seek to enforce the new laws.
In a letter to Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, Laois Community Safety Partnership states that the group fully backs the banning of e-scooter use for under 18s and is in favour of mandatory helmet and high visibility clothing use.
Cllr Dwane Stanley said the LCSP remains concerned about the potential implications for Gardaí attempting to police the use of e-scooters.
The letter to the Minister for Justices states that: “The Committee further seeks clarification on whether insurance will be required for e-scooter users. Members are concerned that, in the event of a collision involving a pedestrian, cyclist, motorist or other road user. A clear position on insurance would be of significant assistance to local authorities, An Garda Síochána and members of the public.”
“The Partnership is also requesting clarity regarding the protections available to members of An Garda Síochána when pursuing or attempting to stop e-scooter users who are suspected of unlawful or dangerous use. The Committee is concerned that Garda members may be placed in a difficult position where they are expected to enforce the law, but where the practicalities of stopping or pursuing a person on an e-scooter may create operational, legal or personal risk.”
The group said they would welcome clear guidance on what Gardaí can and cannot do from an enforcement perspective, including the circumstances in which an e-scooter may be stopped, seized or removed from public use; the enforcement options available where a user fails to stop; and the legal protections in place for Garda members acting in good faith in the course of their duties.
“These concerns are not theoretical. The Partnership understands that an e-scooter was recently seized in Laois which was reportedly capable of travelling up to 80 km per hour. This raises serious concerns regarding the availability and use of devices that far exceed safe or permitted speeds and which have the potential to cause significant harm to users, pedestrians and other road users.”
Cllr Dwane Stanley acknowledged that there are many genuine e-scooter users who obey the law and use the devices to get around without causing any issue. However, she said there remains a concern, in particular for younger users. She said there is also the question of the rules of the road as they apply to other motorists.
We don’t want people who are using them properly and sensibly punished. At the same time, we want to keep our young people safe,” she said.