Infrastructure Minister has thanked those who have
shared their experience to help raise awareness around the
dangers of e-scooters being used illegally on our roads and
public spaces.
This week, the Department has published a series of videos on its
social media channels, with firsthand accounts of those who have
seen the damage they can cause to both the riders and the general
public, alongside those who are more vulnerable and live in fear
of a potential collision.
Infrastructure Minister said: “I'd like to thank those
who shared their stories with us this week. I am aware of the
increasing concern around the illegal use of e-scooters on our
public roads and spaces.
“It is highly dangerous for the riders, and for members of the
public.
“E-scooters are heavy machines. Those who ride them often weave
through pedestrians at speed, or straight into oncoming busy
traffic, often causing terrifying near misses, dangerous
collisions, or causing serious injury.”
We heard from Dr Duncan Redmill, a consultant at the Royal
Victoria Hospital who outlined the potentially life changing and
life ending consequences caused by e-scooters, warning they are
not toys they are heavy machines.
Julieanne, who has sight and hearing impairment, shared her story
of a near miss with an e-scooter. Not only did it knock her
confidence, but it created yet another hurdle for her to overcome
in planning her everyday journeys.
Finally, we heard from Ken who is registered blind. Ken's guide
dog Waffle gives him the freedom and confidence to get out and
about. He explained his worries around the illegal use of
e-scooters in public spaces, particularly if it meant that Waffle
was hurt or even spooked, leading to Ken's isolation.
Minister added: “As these videos have
clearly shown, e-scooters strike fear into those who are
particularly vulnerable, those with mobility issues or visual
impairments – who feel like they have to change their route just
to feel safer.
“I want to remind everyone that e-scooters are not toys, and
parents and guardians must be aware of these risks to children
and young people.
“Anyone using e-scooters in public spaces are putting their
lives, and the lives of those around them at risk, and they're
breaking the law.
“I appeal to everyone to think twice before using an e-scooter,
think about the life changing risks, not just to yourself, but to
other road users and pedestrians.
“We all have a personal responsibility to create safe spaces for
us all to use in our everyday journeys.”
Head of Road Policing, Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson, said:
“The Police Service of Northern Ireland welcomes this Department
of Infrastructure initiative and looks forward to continuing our
engagement with partners around this issue.
“We hope these videos can educate e-scooter users on the dangers
of these vehicles, and highlight that these machines are not
actually legal on the roads or pavements.
“Under current legislation, e-scooters are deemed to be a motor
vehicle, meaning the rider must have a driving licence and the
vehicle must be taxed, insured and fitted with lights and a
number plate.
"This means e-scooters on roads and in public spaces are
being ridden illegally and, so, a large number of individuals –
many of them children - are committing offences in that the
machine they are riding is not legally allowed to be in a public
space.
“From a safety point of view, their inappropriate use in public
spaces poses a risk to the safety of both rider and the
public. People have already been seriously hurt as a result
of their use.
“When our officers engage with riders, they use the four 'e's'
approach - engage, explain, encourage and enforce.
"Overall, it will require a co-ordinated approach by sellers,
parents, users/owners, PSNI and partners to reduce the number of
e-scooters on our roads and encourage their responsible and
legal use.”
Watch the videos:
Dr Duncan Redmill, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, at Royal
Victoria Hospital Belfast “E-scooters are not toys, they're heavy
dangerous machines”
https://youtu.be/a143fBXBl7E?si=MIIZEzX8t0c6Efay
Julieanne, who is sight and hearing impaired, warns of the
dangers of e-scooters "It knocks your confidence... would you
like one of your family members to be in this position?"
https://youtu.be/_RSTHyXl-9k?si=pedPnEf-s2ysw9sG
Meet Ken, who is registered blind, and his guide dog Waffle "I
would be totally lost without Waffle. Isolation for visually
impaired people is probably the worst thing that could happen"
https://youtu.be/LSqO9_kZLg0?si=10jp4yZKAa2z_wOJ
Minister Kimmins “I want to remind everyone that e-scooters are
not toys, and parents and guardians must be aware of these risks
to children and young people. Anyone using e scooters in public
spaces are putting their lives, and the lives of those around
them at risk, and they're breaking the law.” https://youtu.be/MGrh-fcGwys
