**Stricter Scooter Law Failing to Curb Toll of Serious Accidents**
A new decree allowing police to impound e-scooters involved in traffic violations is set to undergo public consultation, as concerns mount over a troubling increase in serious accidents involving these vehicles. This initiative follows tougher legislation introduced earlier this year, which aimed to enhance safety and reduce accidents.
In a move to address the rising number of incidents, the Cypriot Parliament approved several changes before its dissolution ahead of the May elections. Among these changes was the decision to raise the minimum age for e-scooter use from 16 to 17 years. The legislation also introduced penalties for adults who permit underage individuals to operate e-scooters and for riders who carry passengers below the legal age. Furthermore, the new rules mandated that e-scooters comply with European safety standards and bear the appropriate certification markings.
Despite these legislative efforts, the situation on the roads has not improved as anticipated. Recent statistics indicate that serious accidents have actually increased since the implementation of the new laws. Notably, two fatalities involving e-scooter riders have been reported this year, alongside six other incidents where riders, including minors, sustained critical or serious injuries.
The most recent serious accident occurred last Sunday when a scooter collided with a motorcycle, resulting in critical injuries to the scooter rider. This incident was part of a disturbing trend, with two severe accidents involving a 16-year-old and a 56-year-old occurring within days of each other. The alarming rise in such incidents has prompted discussions among lawmakers and safety officials about the effectiveness of the current regulations.
Marinos Mousiouttas and Alekos Tryfonides, both former chairmen of the House transport committee, had previously proposed an outright ban on e-scooters. However, this proposal did not garner sufficient support among their colleagues. As the issue continues to escalate, it is expected to be addressed at the upcoming meeting of the Road Safety Council next month. Transport Minister Evie Tsolaki, who chairs the council, is anticipated to bring this matter to the attention of Justice Minister Costas Fitiris.
In the meantime, law enforcement agencies have intensified their efforts to enforce existing e-scooter regulations. A recent weekend campaign resulted in a total of 526 charges, which included 219 for riding in prohibited areas, 116 for failing to wear helmets, and 86 for not donning the required high-visibility clothing. Additionally, 28 scooters were impounded during this operation. A previous enforcement campaign conducted in late July and early August yielded another 516 charges, bringing the cumulative total of violations since the crackdown began to over 1,000.
The ongoing rise in serious accidents despite stricter regulations has raised questions about the effectiveness of the current approach to e-scooter safety. As public consultation on the new decree approaches, stakeholders will be keenly observing the discussions and potential outcomes that may arise from the Road Safety Council's meeting. The need for a comprehensive strategy to ensure the safety of all road users, including e-scooter riders, remains a pressing concern for the Cypriot government and the community at large.