New e-scooter legislation costs Kildare woman
Photo for illustrative purposes only
AN ATHY woman has fallen foul of the new laws governing e-scooters after being clocked over the mandated speed limit for such a device, and was lucky not to face jail and a disqualification.
Nicole Webster (42) from Coney Meadows, Coneyboro was appearing in Athy District Court facing six breaches of the recently amended Road Traffic Act after she was stopped on 2 May doing 32kph on a machine that is now limited to a maximum speed of 20kph.
“Given the high-powered nature of the scooter Garda (Amanda) Kirwan demanded copies of her licence and insurance,” explained prosecuting officer Sergeant Ruth Coleman.
In all, Ms Webster was charged with dangerous driving, having no licence, no insurance, and failing to produce any copies of these within the two weeks following a lawful demand.
“A (dangerous driving) conviction leads to a mandatory two-year ban, or maybe more, depending on the severity of the driving,” said Judge Desmond Zaidan.
“Ms Webster admitted to Garda Kirwan at the scene that she had no licence,” said Sgt Coleman.
“My client admits to ignorance rather than malice,” said her defending barrister Hugo Mills appealing for a reduction of the charge to careless driving.
The judge then turned to Sgt Coleman who graciously allowed: “no state objections”.
On hearing this Judge Zaidan then reduced the dangerous driving charge to one of careless driving for which he fined her €300.
He then added a further fine of €250 for being uninsured, and a further €100 for not having a valid licence.
He then gave her six months to pay.
