Central Corfu Municipality safety measures for e-scooters
CORFU. Meeting at Maraslio Town Hall - A special regulatory decision will be drafted, which will define the regulations for movement and operation of electric scooters within and outside the town.
Central Corfu Municipality will proceed with the deposition of interim measures against the company that has introduced electric scooters. As Mayor Stefanos Poulimenos stated, the municipal authority will draft a special regulatory decision that will define the regulations for movement and operation of electric scooters within and outside the town, aiming at the safety of pedestrians and users.
The issue of uncontrolled circulation of scooters, which have appeared in Corfu Town in the last approximately 10 days, was discussed at a meeting held at Maraslio Town Hall with the Mayor, Deputy Mayors Kostas Voussolinos and Andreas Kardonas, Traffic Police Chief George Konstantis, Corfu Inspectorate of Antiquities Head Tenia Rigakou, the municipality's legal advisor and other officials.
The exact number of e-scooters in circulation is not known, although it is estimated to be around 60, with information suggesting that another 200 are expected.
As the Mayor stated, the problem becomes particularly intense due to traffic anarchy and the lack of dedicated lanes for e-scooters to move safely. Often, e-scooters are observed moving even against the flow of traffic.
A very recent example is the accident that occurred this morning in Mouragia, with a rider moving in the wrong direction and even carrying the weight of a bag, fortunately without serious injury.
On her part, the legal advisor referred to the provisions of the current legislation, specifically stating that vehicles moving at speeds up to 6 km/h are considered pedestrians, while those moving at speeds up to 25 km/h are considered bicycles and must move on the road and not on the sidewalk. However, the legal advisor stated that the role of the Municipality is crucial, as it has the power to define traffic areas and speed limits.
Objections to the circulation of electric scooters were raised by the Head of Corfu Inspectorate of Antiquities Tenia Rigakou, who said that these scooters cannot circulate either within the historic centre or in the Buffer Zone.
Negative feedback on the issue has also come fromy the Old Town Department.
Traffic Police Chief George Konstanti also recommended against it, stating that drivers and society are not ready for the circulation of such vehicles, as there has been no preparation, nor the necessary driving culture.
This morning, municipal inspection teams conducted checks on the occupation of public spaces by these vehicles, and Mr. Voussolinos said that they will be removed tomorrow.
MARIA BAZDRIYIANNI
Photo: Enimerosi
