Dáil debates

Wednesday, 17 November 2021

Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021: Second Stage (Resumed)

 

5:12 pm

Photo of Paul DonnellyPaul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I would like to welcome the provisions in respect of scramblers and quad bikes, in particular, which have been brought forward as part of this Bill. Just a few weeks ago, just down the road from my house in my constituency, a young person who was on a scrambler lost control and went straight into the back of a car. He ended up seriously injured in hospital and is very lucky to be alive. I would like it to be noted that I, and a number of Deputies over the years, fought long and hard for this legislation. We were told time and again that it was contrary to the advice being given by the Attorney General. However, it seems that we were right all along and that this Government has been dragged to the position we see in this legislation today.

I note that there is no intention to extend the national vehicle database, which we had called for, to provide for the compulsory registration of all quad bikes and scramblers. This would enable the gardaí to swiftly identify the owner of a quad bike or a scrambler being driven dangerously and recklessly. I ask that this be progressed. Hopefully, the Minister will consider this important tool in the suite of measures that has been identified.

I would also like to draw that attention of Minister to the other tool that is required to tackle this scourge in our communities, namely, effective policing, an issue that was raised by Deputy Crowe. What resources will be given to the Garda to put these laws into effect? What training and equipment will be provided? What guidelines, in particular, will be put in place? I also urge the Garda to utilise the powers that are in place that will hold parents or guardians responsible if they purchase a scrambler or a quad bike in full knowledge that they will be driven on our roads, parks or open spaces. We know that Christmas is coming.

Finally, we must ensure that those who have a love of motocross are given the opportunity to do so in a safe manner. Indeed, there are thousands of people who engage in that sport. Local authorities enable many different activities for young people and adults, including football. Not everyone likes sports. We must ensure that other activities are provided.

I welcome the provisions relating to e-scooters and e-bikes. It is long overdue. Every Deputy has received many representations concerning the health and safety of pedestrians and road users in the context of these vehicles. I am not the only one who has been concerned about the speed of some of the e-bikes and e-scooters. Just yesterday, I was coming in here and saw a young girl on a scooter. It was getting dark and she was dressed completely in black. There were no lights on her scooter. She drove on the footpath, then moved off onto the road, broke a red light, went straight through a green pedestrian light onto another footpath and continued on down the road.

It was so dangerous for that person and for anybody else, such as drivers, who could not see her. It is something that also needs to be addressed in the Bill. This legislation is long overdue but very welcome. With regard to scramblers, it is worthless unless we put in place an action plan to deal with them.

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