Agenda Profile: Urve Tiidus
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 speaker's political position is primarily procedural, presenting the debate and voting results from the Economic Affairs Committee regarding Bill 614 SE, which the committee decided to reject by a majority vote. Personally, the speaker emphasizes that the ability to assess risks is part of home and urban cultural upbringing, not merely a question of laws and regulations. He expresses moderate opposition to excessive regulation that could impede the progress of environmentally friendly modes of transport.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a thorough understanding of the legislative process and the specific legal conflicts within the draft bill, such as issues arising with current legislation concerning quota requirements, age verification, and driver’s license mandates. He/She highlights the government’s positions and the practical concerns raised by representatives of the City of Tallinn (e.g., helmet theft and hygiene), using detailed references to the committee session and the participants. The expertise focuses on implementation challenges of the traffic law and questions of equal treatment.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is predominantly formal, procedural, and descriptive, characteristic of a commission rapporteur. While mostly factual arguments and data are presented (e.g., voting results 6:2), there is also a brief personal and philosophical appeal addressing the theme of upbringing and responsibility. The language is legally precise, employing terms such as "quota requirement" and "the issue of equal treatment."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker’s pattern of activity is linked to legislative work within a parliamentary committee, specifically by presenting a report on the Economic Affairs Committee session held on May 19. He or she will participate in the procedural management of the first reading of the draft bill during the Riigikogu plenary session on June 4. His or her role is that of a procedural rapporteur, who conveys the results of the committee’s deliberations.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker conveys opposition to the draft bill, which originated from both the government (Ministry of Climate) and the majority of the Economic Affairs Committee (6 votes in favor of rejection). The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, focusing on the lack of support for the quota requirement and legal contradictions regarding age verification and driver’s license requirements. The opposition is moderate but clear, highlighting practical problems (e.g., theft and hygiene of rental helmets).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker describes a collaboration that involved the initiator of the draft legislation, an advisor from the Ministry of Climate, and representatives of the City of Tallinn, thereby ensuring that all parties' positions were heard by the committee. The style of cooperation is inclusive and consultative, with the aim of mapping out all risks associated with implementing the regulation. The speaker also points to agreements concluded between local governments and businesses as a positive approach to finding solutions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is centered on the powers of local governments (LG) and their right to impose limits on the number of rental vehicles. The experience and positions of the City of Tallinn were highlighted particularly strongly, represented by Deputy Mayor Kristjan Järvan and the Tallinn Transport Department. The discussion concentrates on the challenges faced by large cities in regulating micro-mobility.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker articulates views that express caution regarding regulations that restrict entrepreneurial freedom, particularly concerning the quota requirement. They also indirectly support the development of environmentally friendly transport methods in large cities, suggesting a favorable stance toward new, sustainable business models. The economic considerations revolve around the obligations placed on rental service providers (age verification, helmet provision) and the practical feasibility of implementing these requirements.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around the risks associated with the use of light personal mobility devices and the protection of the health of children and minors, emphasizing requirements for age verification and the provision of helmets. The speaker strongly stresses the role of personal responsibility and upbringing in shaping the ability to assess risks, deeming this far more crucial than merely enacting laws that impose penalties and fines.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed toward Draft Act 614 SE, which seeks to amend the Traffic Act. This bill concerns the regulation of rental light personal mobility devices and small mopeds (specifically addressing quotas, age verification, and helmet usage). The speaker is the procedural rapporteur, presenting the committee's motion to reject the draft bill. He/She also referred to last year’s amendments to the Traffic Act, which already delegated substantial powers to local governments (LGUs).
3 Speeches Analyzed