The Ejido hosts a training day on Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) to strengthen road safety

The initiative, organized by the Independent Union of Police of Andalusia (SIP-AN), has brought together professionals from different police forces to address the challenges posed by the use of electric scooters and other VMPs. The municipality was a pioneer in the province in incorporating into its Municipal Traffic Ordinance a specific chapter to regulate these vehicles. The Local Police of El Ejido has intensified controls on VMPs since the entry into force of the new Traffic Regulations, on October 1, with a total of 127 complaints and 72 electric scooters withdrawn Ibáñez: "Mobility is changing and administrations have to be prepared to respond to those changes. VMPs are a practical alternative to travel, but they also pose new challenges for road safety."

The Auditorium Theater of El Ejido has hosted a training day dedicated to Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs), organized by the Independent Police Union of Andalusia (SIP-AN), with the aim of analyzing the challenges posed by their use and improving the preparation of professionals in charge of ensuring road safety. The meeting brought together union representatives, training managers, representatives of the Institute of Emergencies and Public Security of Andalusia and members of different police forces, Local Police officers of El Ejido and neighboring municipalities, as well as members of the National Police and Civil Guard interested in this specialization.

The day responds to the growing presence of electric scooters and other personal mobility vehicles on the streets and the increase in neighborhood complaints related to their inappropriate use on sidewalks, public spaces and pedestrian areas. In this context, training and updating knowledge are essential to ensure the application of the regulations and promote safe coexistence between pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

The mayor, Julia Ibáñez, participated in the conference, together with the Chief Mayor of Local Police, Marco Muñoz, highlighting the importance of the municipality hosting initiatives that contribute to improving the preparation of professionals. "Mobility is changing and administrations need to be prepared to respond to those changes," he said, "stressing that personal mobility vehicles are a practical alternative to travel, but they also pose new challenges for road safety ".

Rafael Beltrán Zarza, recognized expert in the regulation and control of Personal Mobility Vehicles, has offered a presentation focused on VMPs and the new regulations approved by the DGT and in force since October 1, which establishes, among other considerations, the minimum age to drive at 15 years; the mandatory protective helmet; mandatory reflective vest at night or in conditions of poor visibility; and permanently mandatory lighting as of October 1, 2027; and prohibition of the use of mobile phones or headphones.

A lo largo de la sesión se han analizado numerosos casos prácticos y situaciones reales que han permitido a los participantes intercambiar experiencias y resolver dudas sobre la actuación policial ante los distintos escenarios que plantean los VMP. Desde la entrada en vigor del nuevo Reglamento de Circulación, la Policía Local de El Ejido ha intensificado los controles a VMP con 127 denuncias y 72 patinetes retirados.

Ibáñez ha recordado que El Ejido fue pionero en la provincia de Almería en incorporar a su Ordenanza Municipal de Circulación un capítulo específico dedicado a estos vehículos. Esta regulación se complementa con las campañas de control y concienciación que desarrolla la Policía Local, dentro de una estrategia orientada a garantizar un uso responsable de los VMP y una circulación más segura.

La alcaldesa también ha puesto de relieve las particularidades del municipio, “con un amplio entramado rural, núcleos de población separados entre sí y una importante actividad agrícola que genera numerosos desplazamientos diarios. Estas características hacen especialmente necesario avanzar en una movilidad adaptada a las necesidades del territorio, en la que la sostenibilidad sea compatible con la protección de las personas”.

Durante su intervención ha reconocido el trabajo de la Policía Local de El Ejido y su capacidad para modernizarse, anticiparse a nuevas necesidades y desarrollar servicios especializados. La regidora ha incidido, además, en que la formación continua constituye una herramienta imprescindible ante la aparición de nuevas formas de movilidad y los cambios legislativos en materia de circulación y seguridad vial.

Por último, ha felicitado al SIP-AN por impulsar esta iniciativa y ha reiterado el compromiso municipal con la prevención, la concienciación ciudadana y la colaboración entre administraciones y profesionales. “Nuestro objetivo es avanzar hacia un modelo de movilidad moderno y sostenible que garantice la seguridad vial, el respeto a las normas y la convivencia en los espacios públicos”.