Police target unregistered and prohibited motorbikes across Townsville

Police target unregistered and prohibited motorbikes across Townsville.

Townsville Highway Patrol have seized multiple unregistered and prohibited motorbikes, as officers target the illegal devices across the region.

Following new legislation taking effect on 1 July, officers can now seize all non-compliant devices, as well as fine parents and guardians of under 16s riding non-compliant devices.

On 10 September, officers attended Welsh Street, Rosslea, where they located a 17-year-old riding an illegally modified and unregistered e-bike. The bike, believed to be worth around $4,500, was seized.

On 13 September, officers intercepted two teenage boys on unregistered and prohibited motorbikes being ridden on Greenvale Street, Yabulu.

Both bikes, believed to be around $10,000 in total value, were seized as part of the operation and investigations into further offences are ongoing.

The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Highway Patrol officers to improve road safety awareness. With a strategic focus on individuals who are riding in a dangerous manner due to the unacceptable risk to the rider, pedestrians and other road users.

Townsville Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Robert Nalder said that officers have refocused their attention to these devices.

“Like everywhere across Queensland, we’ve seen a rapid rise in e-mobility devices in the community, and also a concerning rise in dangerous behaviour on these devices,

“With this new legislation, our officers have the power to seize and take these dangerous devices off Townsville streets, and take action against those flouting those rules,

“Dangerous riding behaviours like these not only put the riders at risk, but also other pedestrians and road users,

“There is no excuse to be trying to get around these laws, and riders can expect our officers to be anywhere, anytime to locate and seize these devices.”