New roadsigns for e-scooter riders suggested for Laois
New laws should be explained in signage say Sinn Féin councillors
A Laois county councillor has asked for road signs to teach E scooter riders the new rules of the road that now apply to them, in particular staying off footpaths.
Sinn Féin Cllr Aidan Mullins from the Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District, is calling on Laois County Council to erect road signs with the new laws on E-scooters to inform users.
Speaking as the Laois Road Safety Strategy 2024 - 2030 was adopted at the July 29 meeting of Laois County Council, Cllr Mullins asked for the document to refer to the new bylaws.
“Maybe signage and enforcement could get a mention. I had a motion about them before the regulations came in. Since then there are rules on age, size, the fact that no passengers are allowed. I suggest the council puts up suitable signs in towns on footpaths. They are a serious risk to pedestrians,” Cllr Mullins said.
He was supported by Cllr Aisling Moran, Cllr James Kelly and his party colleague Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley.
“Young people are not tuned into the news, they probably don't realise but signage would be there to see, we have a duty. A lot are on paths that are not fit,” Cllr Dwane Stanley said.
“There have been three road fatalities involving E-scooters,” Cllr Kelly noted.
Three teenage boys have been killed off e scooters in 2024, most recently a boy aged 14 in Kilkenny who died on July 28 following a collision with a car.
New laws on e scooters came into effect last May. As with bicycles, they are not allowed on footpaths. Riders must be aged 16 or older, and no passengers are allowed, with fines for anyone breaking the laws.