‘There has to be stricter enforcement of the law on e-scooters’ - Mary T Sweeney

Far greater enforcement around the laws governing the use of e scooters is needed in order to stamp out their use on pedestrian footpaths.

That’s according to Aontú Donegal representative Mary T Sweeney who says many users of e-scooters are “thumbing their noses” and are “cock a hoop” as they fly along on footpaths.

“We have to remember that the use of e-scooters on footpaths is illegal, but you certainly wouldn’t think it by the attitude of some of these cavalier users,” said Ms Sweeney. “They are flouting the law with complete abandon.

“I have seen one too many pedestrians have to scatter out of the way of speeding e-scooters which is totally and utterly unacceptable. It’s terrifying for elderly people, and those who have any infirmity, but to be honest we’re all at risk as these things are heavy and the speed at which some people are going at would means serious injury for anybody hit by them.

“If some poor unfortunate is unlucky enough to be struck by a speeding e-scooter, he or she has scant hope or chance of redress as those using e scooters are not obliged to have insurance.

“If the person is self-employed the knock-on consequences can be disastrous for them and their finances. Footpaths and pedestrian pathways are for pedestrians not for speeding e-scooters.

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“While gardaí have powers to seize e-scooters and take action against those operating them in inappropriate places, laws are worth little if they’re not enforced and I am calling for them to be enforced before some poor unsuspecting pedestrian is badly hurt.

“There has to be stricter enforcement of the law, and I will be making contact with our local gardaí to ensure that more action is taken to stamp this out. The safety of our communities must come first.”