Aruba e-step fines are being issued as authorities target rental scooters left on sidewalks, pedestrian paths and roads, Justice Minister Arthur Dowers said in an update reported by 24ora.
Minister announces new financial penalties
Dowers said penalties announced this week stem from violations authorities observed about two weeks earlier. The report put the current fines against e-step companies at nearly 200,000 florins, with authorities preparing to reassess street conditions and issue further penalties if new violations are found.
The minister separately said continued noncompliance could produce additional fines of about 40,000 florins. The enforcement is intended to keep public space orderly and accessible rather than requiring officials to move every scooter left in an obstructive location.
Existing law complicates physical intervention
According to Dowers, current rules can limit direct intervention because police may need to establish that a device creates a danger. He also referred to an earlier court decision affecting the government’s ability to decide where e-steps may remain on public property.
The new financial measures focus on companies responsible for scooters left on sidewalks, paths and roads. Dowers said his ministry is handling public-order and permit enforcement, while tax authorities would be responsible for payment collection and financial follow-up.
Authorities plan another street review
Dowers said officials will evaluate conditions again and may continue enforcement where violations persist. The latest step adds a new fine phase to Aruba’s longer-running dispute over commercial e-step operations and use of public space.
Source: 24ora
