National Day of Action, Powered Personal Transporters

As part of National Day of Action, Powered Personal Transporters, South Dublin County Council (SDCC) is happy to support our colleagues in An Garda Síochána (AGS) this Wednesday 20th August in raising awareness on PPT’s. This Multi Agency Social media campaign is aimed at educating the public on the ‘safe use of e-scooters’ through SDCC & AGS Social Media channels, SDCC Libraries and SDCC & AGS public areas.

The campaign focuses on highlighting the rules of the road in relation to e-scooter use. In particular, e-scooter riders cannot use the footpath and so must use the road and motorists should give at least 1 metre clearance when overtaking an e-Scooter in speed zones that are 50km/h or under and at least 1.5 metres in speed zones over 50km/h. 

Motorists sharing the road with e-scooter users should treat them the same as cyclists and consider them a vulnerable road user (VRU). E-scooter users are reminded to follow the same rules as cyclists, ensuring they are visible at all times and equipped with proper lighting front and back. 

Road Safety Officer at South Dublin County Council Orlaith Maguire said ‘the campaign is aimed at raising awareness about the responsibilities both of the riders and of the drivers of cars, trucks and all other road users who share the road with them. By promoting protective equipment, responsible speed, increased visibility and mutual respect on the road, we can adapt and change driver/ ppt’s rider behaviour to reflect a safer road user. So far this year there have been 2 fatalities for e-Scooter riders”. For further information email info@sdublincoco.ie

Superintendent Thomas Murphy, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said ‘An Garda Siochana are delighted to work alongside and support South Dublin County Council on this National Day of Action through multi-agency co-operation in promoting road safety awareness towards promoting the safe and enjoyable use of Powered Personal Transporters (PPT’s). The launch of this very important road safety campaign is designed towards promoting the safe use of e-scooters for all. Whilst the e-scooter is seen as a novel mode of transport, it is vitally important that owners and users are keenly aware of the legal requirements to ensure the safe use of this mode of transport on public roadways. It is also an opportunity to inform other road users about the presence of vulnerable road users and to provide for adequate safe distances between their vehicles and vulnerable persons.'