New law planned to ban scramblers in public spaces and tighten e-scooter rules
A ban on the use of scramblers in public places and stricter regulations for e-scooters and e-bikes could be on the way.New regulations may be introduced within weeks following Government discussions. The proposal of new regulations was discussed at a meeting attended by Tánaiste Simon Harris, Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien, Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, Minister of State Seán Canney, Attorney General Rossa Fanning and senior officials from the Department of Justice and Transport, reports RTE.Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the regulations should be finalised urgently. A spokesperson for Mr O’Brien told The Irish Examiner that “this will be treated with absolute urgency and priority to support and further strengthen the additional powers that were given to the Gardaí under the 2023 act.”The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 was enacted in June 2023, and the extensive piece of legislation covers multiple topics including scrambler bikes and e-scooters. The Act includes provisions to tackle dangerous driving and the antisocial use of scramblers and quadbikes, Seán Canney said in a November Dail Debate.An Garda Síochána can seize a vehicle (including scramblers, quadbikes and motorbikes) being driven dangerously in any location.• Under Section 5(k), dangerous driving has become an offence everywhere, not only in public places• Under Section 5(p), An Garda Síochána were granted new powers of seizure• Under Section 11(b), there is a new power to provide in regulations for the prohibition or restriction of the uses of classes of vehicles in particular placesMeanwhile, Fianna Fáil TD Catherine Ardagh proposed a 30-day amnesty and refund scheme to allow people surrender scramblers or quad bikes. She said she was making the proposal following the death of 16-year-old Grace Lynch.She told the Dáíl Chamber that there is uncertainty around "the circumstances in which scramblers can be compulsorily seized, how ownership is established where bikes are unregistered and uninsured, and what happens to seized vehicles where no lawful ownership can be ultimately demonstrated," reports The Irish Times."There is also public confusion about whether confiscated bikes are ultimately returned, retained or destroyed," she said. "That lack of clarity seriously undermines the deterrent effect the legislation in intended to have.""I ask that it consider a 30-day amnesty surrender and a possible refund scheme to those who own scrambler or quad bikes and also that An Garda Síochána is given enhanced powers after this amnesty," she added.The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 also legalised the use of e-scooters and a comprehensive suite of regulations has been introduced to effectively govern the safe use of these in public places. Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister of State for Road Safety Seán Canney have said they want to strengthen the regulations around e-scooters.Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
