'Parents need to make sure that their youngsters are obeying the law'

Parents are being urged to ensure their children are obeying the law regarding e scooters amid warnings that someone will be killed.

Cllr Nick Killian said that in the last few weeks he has seen a lot of youngsters on e scooters and many of them are ignoring the rules.

"I've seen a lot of them recently and I've seen youngsters travelling far too fast. It is very dangerous."

Cllr Killian recalled one incident last week where he was driving on the Fairyhouse Road.

"There was a young land on an e scooter, he looked to be about 13 or 14. He was on the footpath. I was driving at around 40kmh and he was alongside me, but he pulled ahead and by the time I got to the top of the village he was gone.

"The law states you have to be 16 to use the e scooter. The speed limit on them is 20kmh and they are not allowed on the road. This young lad wasn't complying with any of that.

"Parents need to make sure that their youngsters are obeying the law. Thus is very dangerous and somebody will be killed if this continues.

"I regularly see young people speeding. They completely ignore the speed limit. It is very worrying," he said.

The legislation on e scooters limits the weight of the vehicle to 25 kg, a speed of 20kmh and 400w power.

They are not allowed on footpaths or motorways, cannot carry a passenger or have a seat.

They must have front and rear lights, a bell or horn and front and rear brakes.

Users must be over 16 and must not be intoxicated.