Townsville police will conduct a Personal Mobility Device (PMD) operation to reinforce the safety of pedestrians and users in the community.
The two-day operation led by Highway Patrol officers, will include Ross River Road, Charters Towers Road, Townsville City and The Strand.
Highway Patrol Townsville Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Robert Nalder said police want to make sure all path and road users are safe.
“With the increasing popularity of personal mobility devices like e-scooters, we have seen some abhorrent and dangerous behaviour.
“Some e-scooter riders are putting themselves and others at serious risk of injury and this operation is an opportunity for police to engage with e-scooter riders and issue fines if necessary.
“If you’re speeding on a PMD and you crash, you could seriously injure yourself or a pedestrian.
“This is why we have penalties for unsafe behaviour and why police enforce these rules.
“If you use your phone on a PMD, the penalty is $1,161. Speeding could earn you a fine of up to $619. And if you drink and ride, you could be facing a court appearance.
“As the rider, it is your responsibility to ride with due care and attention on a road-related area, such as a footpath, bike path or shared path.
“If you ride a PMD, learn the rules – wear a fastened helmet, do not ride on roads where the speed limit is over 50km per hour and one person per scooter, no doubling.
“Do not ride a scooter under the influence of drugs or alcohol and obey the speed limit, which is 25km per hour on roadways and 12km per hour on footpaths.
“Riders must ride with care around other path users and if they involved in a collision, they should remain at the scene, call an ambulance if necessary and exchanging details.”
For more personal mobility device rules visit
https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/wheeled-devices/personal-mobility-devices
