AQO 2647/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 14/10/2021
Answered On Date: 01/11/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline what actions her Department is taking to improve safety for pedestrians in light of an increase in usage of e-scooters.

Answer:

It remains illegal to use e-scooters on public roads and public spaces here. The impact on the safety of pedestrians and other road users posed by the increasing usage of e-scooters is therefore very much of concern to me. Enforcement is the responsibility of the PSNI, who I know are taking steps to increase their response given the current increase in usage.

Using e-scooters on public roads and public spaces in Great Britain is also illegal, unless they are being used as part of a Department for Transport pilot rental scheme. The aim of these schemes is to monitor the impact of e-scooters on public roads and spaces, the environment and the safety of both their users and others. The schemes began in July 2020 and are due to end in March 2022.

My officials are monitoring the progress of these pilot schemes and once DfT have published their findings will provide me with a report. I will then consider the legal position of e-scooters and their potential use on our roads and public spaces. As always, the road safety of all road users is a priority for me.