Israel Road Safety Authority Demands Police Investigate Delivery Giant Wolt
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
Israel's National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has asked the police to investigate the delivery company Wolt for allegedly violating traffic safety regulations. The NRSA claims Wolt fails to appoint required safety officers for its estimated 20,000 couriers, contributing to dangerous driving. Wolt denies the allegations, calling the NRSA's actions a PR stunt, while the Ministry of Transport is reviewing the NRSA's data.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel's National Road Safety Authority has asked police to investigate the delivery company Wolt.
- The NRSA alleges Wolt fails to comply with regulations requiring safety officers for its couriers.
- Wolt denies the claims, accusing the NRSA of a public relations campaign.
- The Ministry of Transport is reviewing the NRSA's data and supports further investigation.
- The NRSA is also exploring requiring business licenses for delivery companies to enhance oversight.
Israel's National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has escalated its campaign against the delivery company Wolt, formally requesting the police, Ministry of Transport, and the Union of Local Authorities to investigate the company's operations and enhance oversight of the courier sector. The NRSA alleges that Wolt is failing to comply with traffic regulations requiring the appointment of safety officers based on the number and types of vehicles operated, which they claim contributes to dangerous driving practices among its couriers.
Wolt has sharply criticized the NRSA's actions, accusing the authority of engaging in a public relations campaign to repair its own image and claiming the NRSA has not responded to Wolt's requests for meetings to discuss safety improvements. The company stated it invests significant resources in road safety for both the public and its couriers.
In contrast, the office of the Minister of Transport, Miri Regev, has expressed support for the NRSA's efforts. The NRSA confirmed it sent complaints last week regarding alleged violations in the supervision of Wolt's courier activities. The authority also noted an independent outreach from the delivery company HAAT, which operates extensively within the Arab community, seeking collaboration on a safety plan.
The NRSA's move follows warnings issued to Wolt two weeks prior, threatening unprecedented enforcement action if joint work was not advanced. The authority estimates that Wolt, which reportedly employs around 20,000 couriers, many using motorcycles and private vehicles, may need to appoint dozens of safety officers if the regulations are deemed applicable. The NRSA is also exploring the possibility of requiring delivery companies to obtain business licenses in municipalities, which would allow for additional safety and oversight requirements.
The police have declined to confirm or deny whether an investigation has been opened. The Ministry of Transport is currently reviewing the data presented by the NRSA. The Union of Local Authorities has also been involved, as mayors, particularly in the Gush Dan region, have voiced concerns about courier driving behavior, which research indicates makes many citizens feel unsafe on sidewalks and roads.
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