Written answers

Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Electric Vehicles

Photo of Cian O'CallaghanCian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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1090. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the consultation on powered personal transporters will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6987/20]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As the Deputy is aware, my officials carried out a public consultation on whether or not to legislate for or regulate the use of powered personal transporters (PPTs) over a two month period late last year. In excess of 500 submissions were received, all of which were carefully considered. These submissions, in conjunction with independent research into the regulation and use of these vehicles in other jurisdictions, are forming the basis of reports prepared by officials. As such, any documents related to the consultation remain part of the deliberative process and will not be published or accessible under the Freedom of Information Act 2014 while the process is ongoing.

The issue of publication after the deliberative process has concluded will be a matter for the incoming Government.

Photo of Cian O'CallaghanCian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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1091. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the regulation of personal powered transports will be expedited in view of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6988/20]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Powered personal transporters, or PPTs, are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles, the use of which requires a licence, tax and appropriate insurance in accordance with Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. As PPTs do not fall under any existing vehicle category, it is not currently possible to tax and insure them and there is no licence category for them. Therefore their use is strictly prohibited on public roads and in public places. Any changes to this require primary legislation would be a matter for a new Government to decide.

Before legislating for the use of PPTS there should be appropriate infrastructure in place that does not endanger either other vulnerable road users or those using PPTs.

In the current context, in several jurisdictions it has been noted that there were significant increases in demand on accident and emergency medical facilities due to PPTs. This would not be advisable here given the ongoing demands on our health service due to the Covid 19 pandemic and so any change that may create such additional demands would also have to be subject to consideration from that wider public health viewpoint.

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