On Tuesday morning, Minister Arthur Dowers held a press conference to address the ongoing management of e-scooters in the Oranjestad and Palm Beach areas. The Minister clarified that the government’s stance remains unchanged, emphasizing that commercial operations of e-steps on public roads are illegal. This announcement follows a decision by several companies managing these vehicles to take the government to court in recent weeks.
During the briefing, Minister Dowers stated that authorities have formally notified all relevant companies regarding the regulations. “They all know that what they are doing is illegal,” Dowers remarked. According to the Minister, every company has received a letter granting them a specific deadline to cease these illegal operations. Should they fail to comply, they will face financial penalties.
While Dowers anticipates that companies may seek legal recourse again once fines are issued, he affirmed the government’s authority to regulate businesses operating without the necessary permits. Additionally, the Minister of Infrastructure is set to issue correspondence outlining specific zones where the placement of these electric vehicles is prohibited. Dowers noted that even hotels have lodged complaints about the e-steps on their private terrain. “The judge’s decision has nothing to do with the government authority to maintain public order,” Dowers concluded.
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