Agenda Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
Draft law amending the Road Traffic Act (regulation of e-scooters and mopeds) - first reading
2025-06-05
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The most striking issue is the lack of regulation for light personal transporters and micro-mopeds, and the resulting chaos on the streets. The speaker strongly supports increasing the powers of local authorities so that they can impose restrictions on the number and use of these light transporters. The government's actions are described as a failure to cope and a state of inaction, which has led to the escalation of the situation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise concerning light personal transport devices (electric scooters, micro-mopeds, moped cars) and the associated legal problems. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of regulating insurance issues and the lack of police resources available for enforcement. Specific traffic safety violations are also referenced, including underage and intoxicated driving, and riding two people on one device.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is critical, ironic, and concerned, particularly regarding the political culture of the coalition, which is characterized by automatically voting down opposition initiatives. Rhetorical questions and metaphors ("the last cherry on the cake") are employed to highlight the severity of the issue. The text appeals to logic, arguing that the state should grant regulatory powers to local governments that express a desire for them.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the legislative process, asking questions and delivering longer speeches during the first reading of the draft bill. The pattern of activity includes criticism directed at the coalition’s procedural conduct. The speaker requests additional time during the debate, which suggests a desire to thoroughly address the topic.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the coalition, which is accused of automatically refusing to support opposition initiatives purely on political grounds, with critics dubbing this the unethical political culture of the parliament. The former ruling parties of Tallinn (Isamaa, Social Democrats) are also criticized for their past hypocrisy regarding the allowance of light mobility devices onto the streets. The criticism is primarily procedural and political in substance.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the necessity of cross-party cooperation, pointing to the submission of three analogous bills by various political forces. A positive point highlighted is the unanimous support (six parties) within the Tallinn City Council for the idea of granting regulatory powers. However, disappointment was expressed regarding the lack of support from the representatives of the Social Democratic Party in the committee, despite mutual backing.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly regional, emphasizing that the issue of light personal mobility devices is most acute specifically in the capital, Tallinn. Repeated reference is made to the activities of the Tallinn City Government and City Council, including a previous press conference and the City Council's unanimous support for acquiring regulatory powers.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations focus on regulation and responsibility, emphasizing the need to ensure that all service-providing companies (such as Bolt) are legally mandated to carry insurance. The goal is to protect other road users in the event of accidents, ensuring they can recover their losses through insurance.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is traffic safety and public order, both of which are jeopardized by the unregulated use of light mobility devices. Specific problems highlighted include underage users, intoxicated driving, and the prohibited practice of riding two people on one device, all of which the police lack the resources to properly enforce.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on draft bills amending the Traffic Act, which would grant local municipalities the right to restrict the number and use of light personal transporters (e-scooters). The speaker is a strong proponent of this direction and criticizes the coalition's procedural resistance, which has already resulted in one similar bill being dropped from the legislative process.
4 Speeches Analyzed