VANESSA HALL
EDITOR
SUNSHINE Coast Council is urging the State Government to implement mandatory limiters on e-transport to improve safety.
At a recent Ordinary Meeting, Council voted to progress a motion to the Local Government of Queensland’s (LGAQ) Annual Conference to seek statewide support.
The motion urges, “that the LGAQ call on the State Government to introduce mandatory device limitations and standards to control the speed and capabilities of personal mobility devices”.
If supported at the LGAQ’s 2024 Annual Conference in October, it will carry the weight of the association’s 77 member councils and present a compelling case.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said safety continued to be a primary consideration for people choosing these personal mobility devices (PMD) as a travel option and that safety concerns extended to people on pathways, footpaths and roads.
“Many private e-transport users are clearly operating their personal mobility devices at high – and dangerous – speeds,” Mayor Natoli said.
“The enforcement of these private e-scooter users falls to Queensland Police and according to RACQ (2023), between January 1, 2019, and September 30, 2023, there had been 3,305 hospital presentations in Queensland due to incidents involving e-transport devices.”
Sunshine Coast Council’s motion will be considered at the LGAQ annual conference in Brisbane from October 21 to 23.
PEREGIAN FORUM – COMMUNITY SEEK ANSWERS
E-transport was a hot topic recently at a forum hosted by Peregian Family and Friends (PFF) where Noosa MP Sandy Bolton was in attendance along with local police representatives and concerned members of the public.
“With the continued incidents endangering riders, pedestrians and drivers, myself and Coolum Police Officer Joel Bryant and the Department of Transport and Main Roads were invited to speak at the Peregian Surf Club,” Ms Bolton said.
Much was covered at the forum from the confusion between e-bikes and e-motorbikes, the laws in relation to both, through to what is being done to reduce reckless behaviours including education, innovation, confiscations and extra resourcing.
“Thank you to our police who shared much including that the vast majority of parents they visit are genuinely shocked when advised of their children’s disregard for the safety of themselves and others, and would be immediately selling the device,” said Ms Bolton.
Sergeant Joel Bryant from Coolum Police Station stated that Police were very aware of the issues surrounding e-transport.
“This issue has had a devastating impact on the community, and it remains a top priority for law enforcement,” Sergeant Bryant said.
Sergeant Bryant also addressed the question of “why aren’t the Police doing more?”
“The reality is more complex than it seems. Children, for example, often lack the financial means to pay for fines, such as the $140 ticket for not wearing a helmet.
“Additionally, Police are limited in their ability to pursue children riding e-bikes due to the risk of accidents.”
To tackle these challenges, Police have adopted a multi-faceted approach which includes school discussions and parent and community education.
A spokesperson from PFF said that the issue was a balancing act for the law.
“Balancing the enforcement of e-scooter and e-bike regulations with other pressing community concerns is an ongoing challenge given limited resources. However, through education, enforcement, and engagement with parents and children, the Police are committed to reducing road trauma and promoting safer use of these devices.”
Ms Bolton concluded stating that a key takeout from the forum was that we all have a responsibility to our children by ensuring they are on compliant e- bikes, not e-motorbikes, and are abiding by the laws. Importantly, report offenders to Policelink on 131 444.
E-TRANSPORT: What are the rules?
You may ride on paths unless there’s a sign prohibiting personal mobility devices. You must comply with the following speed limits:
- Footpaths — 12km/h maximum
- Shared paths —12km/h maximum (unless signed otherwise)
- Separated paths—25km/h maximum (unless signed otherwise)
- Bicycle paths — 25km/h maximum (unless signed otherwise)
- More info – www.streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/pmd/
What are your thoughts of all things e-transport? Let us know by sending in a letter to the editor at editor@coolumadvertiser.com.au
Get creative fining children. Fine the parents and impose time sanctions on the child’s ability to obtain a driver’s license. Each offence adds to that time penalty. I’m tired of having footpaths hijacked by these devices. How many injuries before enough is enough?