Israel's Road Safety Authority Threatens Legal Action Against Delivery Firm Wolt
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
Israel's National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has threatened legal action against the delivery company Wolt for failing to adequately address road safety concerns among its couriers. The NRSA claims Wolt has systematically avoided cooperation and provided insufficient solutions regarding issues like couriers riding without license plates and a lack of safety officers. The authority is demanding immediate action, including data submission and the appointment of safety personnel, or faces legal consequences within a week. This dispute highlights broader concerns about the rising number of accidents involving "micro-mobility" devices like e-scooters and e-bikes.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel's National Road Safety Authority warned Wolt of legal action over courier safety issues.
- The NRSA claims Wolt has systematically failed to cooperate on improving road safety.
- Concerns include couriers riding without license plates and a lack of safety officers.
- Wolt disputes the claims, citing its independent contractor model and safety initiatives.
- The NRSA demands immediate action, threatening legal steps within a week.
- The dispute highlights rising "micro-mobility" accidents, with 26 deaths this year.
Israel's National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has warned the delivery company Wolt that it will pursue legal action if the company does not immediately implement measures to improve road safety among its couriers. The NRSA claims Wolt has systematically failed to adhere to agreements and engage in constructive dialogue. This warning follows a series of communications, obtained by the newspaper 'Davar', in which the NRSA repeatedly urged Wolt to address numerous safety issues concerning its delivery personnel.
The NRSA alleges that Wolt presented a false image of cooperation while deliberately delaying and offering excuses, prompting the authority to threaten legal steps. The dispute began in late August when NRSA Chairman Motty Adarai sent an official letter to Wolt CEO Tomer Cohen. Adarai cited NRSA research indicating that many citizens feel endangered by couriers in urban areas. He also noted that many Wolt couriers were observed riding electric vehicles without license plates, a violation of the law.
Wolt initially agreed to cooperate, stating that courier safety is a top priority and expressing willingness to collaborate on training, transportation solutions, and data sharing. However, the NRSA claims that despite these assurances, Wolt failed to follow through. The company reportedly requested extensions for data submission, initially due September 30 and then October 8, citing the independent contractor status of its 20,000 couriers and their responsibility for their own safety. Wolt outlined ten areas of activity it claimed addressed the NRSA's concerns.
The NRSA rejected Wolt's response, deeming its proposed actions insufficient. In a letter dated October 11, Adarai stated that Wolt had not advanced work meetings, shared any data, or proven implementation of safety measures, such as the appointment of regional safety officers. He also pointed to the ongoing issue of couriers not using license plates on their electric vehicles, despite legal requirements, and Wolt's alleged inadequate response, which he described as merely showing WhatsApp activity or suggesting couriers cover plates with tape.
Adarai demanded Wolt commit to five immediate steps, including data submission and providing names of regional safety officers. Failure to comply within a week, he warned, would lead to legal action, potentially involving other authorities like the licensing bureau. Wolt has not yet responded to the latest letter but stated to 'Davar' that they initiated a meeting and are determined to continue working with the NRSA on practical solutions for road safety.
The NRSA's focus on Wolt reflects a broader concern about the safety of "micro-mobility" users, including e-scooter and e-bike riders. This year, 26 such users have died and dozens more have been seriously injured. The NRSA's research indicates a significant rise in accidents involving these vehicles, with couriers being a notable factor, although precise data linking specific accidents to couriers is difficult to obtain. The authority estimates tens of thousands of such vehicles are in use, but partial licensing hinders accurate measurement. The NRSA's analysis of over 300,000 police complaints revealed a disproportionately high number related to couriers, particularly Wolt's, compared to regular cyclists.