Leo Olivero
Public 'E-scooter' Objections Revs Up Regulations Issue

The ‘sharing of public roads should mean sharing responsibilities too’ and this is where the legal anomalous stand with the electric scooter issue, now causing increasing concern

in many of the mainland's larger cities across Europe, but also back here with the public, but particularly local road users who use our very humble and small road network!

Lack of Legislation

The two wheel motorized device has grown hugely in popularity over recent years. The problem from a Gibraltar perspective is simply that road traffic legislation has failed to keep pace with both new technology and changing consumer preferences, seeing the scooter's exact designation falling between two stools when it comes to legal liability and entitlement.

These scooters have become increasingly popular, mainly because many cities have imposed strict restrictions on the number of motor vehicles permitted on their roads.

The problem has been further compounded by the overcrowding that characterizes the mass transit systems of many cities, including our own, as well as the difficulties associated with parking, pedal cycles, motorcycles, right down to the ordinary pedestrian who are an important group of road user in their own right.

The Government it seems have done some deep thinking on the issue. In June this year they issued a ‘consultation paper’ on the regulation of this ‘personal transporters’ as they are officially termed. In fact, the consultation period has now been extended till next month.

*Read more on Page 4 & 5 of the Print Editions of the Panorama and the e-Edition on our website.

05-08-2019 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR