News
Italy clamps down on the use of e-scooters.
The Italian government have tightened road safety laws, announcing a crackdown on the use of electric scooters on city streets.
Under the new regulations riders will have to wear a helmet and have insurance and the scooters themselves will now require a registration plate. Furthermore it will be forbidden to ride two-wheelers outside of built up areas or to leave them parked haphazardly on pavements.
There were over 45,000 rental e-scooters in Italy in 2021, according to the Sharing Mobility Observatory. They have proved a hit, particularly in cities with heavy traffic or few cycle routes, but drivers complain they are dangerous, and they are regularly left blocking footpaths or disabled access routes in major cities.
From 2020 to 2021, according to the National Institute of Statistics (Istat), road accidents involving e-scooters rose from 564 to 2,101 and injuries from 518 to 1,980. Of these, 1,903 were drivers, 77 passengers and 127 pedestrians. In 2021, there were 10 victims, one of whom was a pedestrian.
ISTAT data also show that in Italy, in 2021, only 13% of electric scooter users previously travelled by car. Before the advent of scooters, most users travelled on foot, by bicycle or public transport.
Parisians voted in April this year to ban rental scooters in their city. At home, Minister Eamon Ryan signed the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 on the 27th June last. The Electric scooter regulations must, under EU law, be notified to the European Commission for review, to ensure that they comply with single market rules before they come into effect. This process takes a minimum of 12 weeks so it is likely that by Autumn Ireland will have new laws for e-scooters and other powered personal transporters.
News
Oscar Fever as Jessie goes to Hollywood
Killarney is in the grip of ‘Oscar fever’ this week as the town rallies behind local star Jessie Buckley ahead of the 98th Academy Awards on March 15. The Killarney […]
Oscar Fever as Jessie goes to Hollywood
Killarney is in the grip of ‘Oscar fever’ this week as the town rallies behind local star Jessie Buckley ahead...
Killarney rail journeys hit all-time high
Killarney rail journeys hit all-time high Rail travel on the Tralee to Cork/Dublin line, which serves Killarney station, reached a...
Wander Wild Festival announces expansions for 2026
The organisers of the Wander Wild Festival have officially announced a significant expansion to this year’s schedule, introducing over 40...
Rathmore to light up the stage at Lip Sync launch
Rathmore Ravens Basketball Club is taking to the spotlight with the launch of its brand-new lip sync event, Lights, Lyrics,...
Glenflesk Dancers secure East Kerry Scór na bPáistí title
The Glenflesk figure dancing team of Clodagh McSwiney, Rebecca O’Donoghue, Rachel O’Donoghue, Emily McMahon, Seoidín Dunne, and Paddy MacGillicuddy, pictured...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
