Gardaí in Waterford are set to step up enforcement against illegal e-scooters being used on public roads.

Divisional Roads Policing Inspector Paul Donohoe says the city currently has a significant problem with scooters which do not comply with road traffic legislation.

He said some people are spending between €600 and €1,200 on models which are not legally permitted on public roads.

‘Waterford is full of them at the moment, and we’re going to address that. We’re just going to start seizing them,’ he said.

Inspector Donohoe said Gardaí have already seized a number of scooters and warned that riders could lose them if they are found to be illegal.

He also raised concerns about the number of young children using e-scooters around Waterford, saying Gardaí are seeing children as young as eight or nine riding them despite age restrictions.

The warning comes as Gardaí continue to focus on wider road safety issues across Waterford.

Inspector Donohoe said mobile phone use behind the wheel remains a major concern, with Garda operations in Waterford observing motorists texting and watching videos while driving around the Quays, Ferrybank and surrounding roads.

He described the level of distraction as ‘absolutely scary’.

Road fatalities have also risen sharply in the local policing area in recent years.

Inspector Donohoe said three people lost their lives in 2023, rising to seven in 2024 and 10 in 2025, although some of those deaths occurred in South Kilkenny areas policed by Waterford.

He said driver error, including speeding and taking risks on the road, featured prominently in a number of fatal collisions.

Seatbelt use is another concern, with Inspector Donohoe saying he has attended fatal collisions where he believes those involved would likely have survived had they been wearing one.

He described seatbelts as the most important safety feature available to motorists in a serious collision.

Gardaí are also increasing their focus on drug driving.

Inspector Donohoe said officers are testing motorists stopped for other road traffic offences and said the number of drivers testing positive for cocaine after being stopped for speeding is worrying.

He highlighted detections on the N24 and N25 and said Gardaí are seeing motorists fail roadside drug tests after being stopped for excessive speed.

He also said September had been a particularly difficult month for serious collisions across Waterford and South Kilkenny, with a number of people requiring intensive care and some potentially facing lifelong injuries.