The city council of Alicante is making a fresh effort to restrict electric scooters. The appropriate usage of personal mobility vehicles (PMVs) is the focus of a new special campaign that the Department of Safety is launching this month March. To cut down on infractions, the strategy will involve more police monitoring and discussions in schools.

Both drivers and pedestrians have frequently protested to the City Council about PMV users’ frequent violations of the rule governing the use of this form of transportation since it went into force. While electric scooters are prevalent on public roadways, certain behaviours are prohibited in Alicante, such as riding on sidewalks, transporting multiple people in one vehicle, or not wearing a helmet. Just under three penalties per day, or 4,252, have been imposed by the City Council in the five years that the ordinance has been in effect.

Awareness and instruction on road safety

The City Council is currently launching a new awareness campaign to lower the number of these infractions and inform the public about how to use personal mobility vehicles properly. “It is necessary to raise awareness among drivers of these vehicles about the importance of complying with the municipal ordinance to strengthen road safety on our streets and public spaces,” said Julio Calero, the security councillor.

To date, local police officers have visited 117 schools in the city to educate children on traffic laws on city roads, as well as the requirements, features, and various kinds of VPMs.

Management of infractions

Additionally, the campaign emphasises adherence to the restrictions placed on these kinds of vehicles in pedestrian zones as well as the prohibitions outlined in the municipal legislation. Throughout the second half of March, the Local Police will conduct more monitoring and pursue infractions to guarantee adherence to these rules.

In this context, the municipal measure will concentrate on places where electric scooters are not allowed, including pedestrian zones, bike lanes, bus lanes, the TRAM platform, sidewalks, and paved walkways (like the Explanada de España and the pedestrian walkways on Avenida de Niza, Postiguet, and Urbanova).

Fines range from 100 to 500 euros

The Local Police will also keep an eye out for and enforce infractions like riding without a helmet, transporting people for longer than one person at a time, not having the necessary braking system, using headphones or helmets while using a cell phone, or using a cell phone or other communication device.

In addition to enforcing pedestrian right-of-way and speed limitations, careless or reckless driving will result in legal action. It’s crucial to keep in mind that infractions of the local legislation carry fines of between €100 and €500.

“This awareness and surveillance campaign emphasises the importance of driving with caution when operating these vehicles and the priority of respecting pedestrians and other road users,” said Calero. The Safety Officer additionally stressed “the need to wear protective helmets, avoid riding on sidewalks or in pedestrian areas, and observe speed limits up to a maximum of 25 kilometres per hour.”