Editorial: E-scooter legislation welcomed - it is needed in Kilkenny

New regulations under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 for e-scooters and e-bikes/e-mopeds have now been signed into law.

The regulations lay out the rules of the road for people who use light electric vehicles. E-scooters and e-bikes are an increasing feature in all cities, towns and villages in Ireland, and their introduction has ushered in an era of another new, vulnerable road user.

There have already been incidents in which e-scooters were driven on footpaths and through Kilkenny’s narrow laneways at speed. They have also been seen travelling apace in the wrong direction along High Street’s new contra-flow lane.

If they were to hit another vulnerable road user such as a cyclist, or indeed a pedestrian, the damage could be significant and even fatal.

To accompany the new rules, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has launched a high-profile campaign aimed at educating the public about the use of e-scooters, getting under way this week as the laws come into effect. We hope people are paying attention.

LOCAL ELECTIONS
Nominations have now closed for potential candidates to put their names forward to run in the upcoming June 2024 Local Elections.

Across its four electoral areas, it looks like there will be a total of 50 candidates vying for 24 seats. No doubt, the competition will be fierce, and we wish all candidates well. It is not an easy thing to do to put your name forward, state your position, and go before the public seeking their votes.

There have been various debates over posters, leaflets and other campaign issues in recent weeks — the same as with any election really.

In next week’s Kilkenny People, we hope to feature some information about every candidate running as part of our pre-election special. The supplement will also have information about voting, and the facts of this election, which will mark 125 years since the first local elections took place in Ireland in 1899.