Latest news with #FinnishTransportandCommunicationsAgency
Arab Times
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- Arab Times
Finland bans e-scooter use for children under 15
HELSINKI, June 17: Finland on Tuesday implemented a ban on electric scooter use by children under the age of 15, as part of new legislation aimed at tightening regulations on micromobility. The new rules also require e-scooter rental companies to obtain municipal licences to continue their operations. The legislation, passed by Finland's parliament last month, aligns with a broader European trend of increasing oversight on e-scooters, whose rapid rise in popularity has led to safety concerns. Countries such as Italy now require e-scooter riders to wear helmets and carry insurance, while cities like Paris and Madrid have banned e-scooter rentals altogether. "This is a situation that has got completely out of hand, and now it just needs to be brought under control," said Transport and Communications Minister Lulu Ranne in an interview with Reuters. "I hope that in this way we can enjoy scootering safely and according to the rules, and at the same time save lives," she added. According to Finnish authorities, approximately 1,600 people suffer serious injuries in e-scooter accidents annually. Over the past five years, at least six fatalities have occurred, and around 600 children have required hospital care for scooter-related injuries. The updated legislation also introduces new safety measures. E-scooter riders will now be subject to the same blood alcohol limits as drivers of motor vehicles and are banned from riding under the influence of drugs. Additionally, a maximum speed limit of 25 kilometers per hour (15.5 miles per hour) has been set, according to the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom). Several international e-scooter rental firms currently operate in Finland, including U.S.-based Lime (a subsidiary of Neutron Holdings), Sweden's Voi Technology, Norway's Ryde Technology, and Germany's Tier Mobility. It remains unclear how the new licensing requirement will impact their operations in Finnish cities. The Ministry of Transport and Communications stated that companies failing to comply with the new age restrictions could face fines. Parents may also be held responsible if they knowingly allow underage children to operate e-scooters.
The Star
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Finland, Estonia issue alert over Gulf of Finland GPS disruptions
HELSINKI, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) announced on Friday that Finland and Estonia have issued a navigational warning for vessels in the Gulf of Finland due to a significant increase in disruptions to Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). According to a Traficom press release, GNSS interference has risen markedly in the first half of this year, posing serious challenges to maritime navigation and safety. These disruptions hinder vessels from accurately determining their positions, heightening the risk of navigational errors and potential maritime accidents with severe environmental implications. "Disruptions have already led to several near-miss incidents in the Gulf of Finland. To avoid more serious consequences, it is vital that vessels are prepared to operate under such conditions," said Sanna Sonninen, Traficom's maritime director. The GNSS interference is also affecting the Automatic Identification System (AIS), a key tool for tracking and identifying vessels. Reports of AIS spoofing -- the transmission of false navigational data -- have become more frequent, further compounding safety concerns. In response, authorities in Finland and Estonia have jointly issued a navigational warning covering both countries' territorial waters and exclusive economic zones. Vessels transiting the Gulf will receive automated updates on GNSS disruptions through the Electronic Navigational Chart system. Amid the escalating frequency of such disruptions, maritime authorities stressed the importance of heightened situational awareness. "Issuing timely warnings about maritime hazards is a core part of our mandate," Sonninen added. Finland and Estonia also plan to report the GNSS interference to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which will share the information with its 176 member states, Traficom said.
