Israel Road Safety Authority Threatens Legal Action Against Delivery Firm Wolt
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
Israel's National Road Safety Authority (NRS) has threatened legal action against the delivery company Wolt for refusing to appoint regional traffic safety officers for its couriers. The NRS argues Wolt qualifies as a vehicle operator under traffic regulations, requiring such appointments. Wolt's proposals for national officers were rejected, and the authority estimates many of its couriers use motorized vehicles. The NRS accuses Wolt of delaying tactics and demands immediate meetings, while Wolt asserts its commitment to safety and criticizes the authority's approach.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel's Road Safety Authority may sue Wolt if it doesn't appoint regional safety officers for couriers.
- The authority cites traffic regulations that could classify Wolt as a vehicle operator.
- Wolt's proposals for national safety officers were rejected by the authority.
- The NRS estimates hundreds or thousands of Wolt couriers use motorcycles or motorized vehicles.
- The authority accuses Wolt of delaying tactics and demands urgent meetings.
- Wolt claims it is committed to safety and criticizes the authority's media strategy.
The National Road Safety Authority (NRS) is escalating its dispute with the delivery company Wolt, threatening legal action if the company does not appoint regional traffic safety officers for its couriers. The NRS argues that Wolt can be considered an operator of the vehicles used by its couriers, even if they are not direct employees, and therefore must comply with traffic regulations requiring such appointments. This legal argument is based on Regulation 579 of the Traffic Regulations, which defines a "factory" subject to vehicle safety rules. According to the regulation, operating 40 motorcycles or similar vehicles could obligate a business to appoint a traffic safety officer.
Wolt initially proposed appointing one, then two, national safety officers, but the NRS rejected these offers, insisting on regional officers whose details would be provided for ongoing monitoring. The NRS estimates that hundreds, possibly thousands, of Wolt's approximately 20,000 couriers use motorcycles or other motorized vehicles, making the company potentially subject to the regulation.
This dispute is the latest in a series of challenges Wolt faces regarding its responsibility for its couriers. In 2022, a class-action lawsuit was approved, seeking to recognize couriers as employees with associated social benefits. Wolt maintained the couriers were independent contractors. While a settlement was proposed in September, involving a NIS 34.3 million payout and various protections, it did not recognize employer-employee relations.
The NRS, led by Chairman Motty Adar'ai, accuses Wolt of delaying tactics and lack of cooperation in addressing safety concerns. Adar'ai stated that the authority will take all necessary steps to end the danger to Israeli couriers and will not accept the lack of cooperation, demanding three significant working meetings within ten days. Wolt, in response, claims it is continuously working to improve road safety and expresses regret that the NRS is focused on releasing recycled material to the press instead of assisting.
Mentioned
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.