Townsville police conducted a Personal Mobility Device (PMD) operation last week and issued 48 infringement notices, with 27 of those for not wearing a helmet.
The two-day operation on November 16 and 17, led by Highway Patrol officers, focused on Ross River Road, Charters Towers Road, Townsville City and The Strand.
Highway Patrol Townsville Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Robert Nalder said police were disappointed with the lack of compliance by e-scooter users, with a high number of riders flouting the law.
“Many PMD users are not doing the right thing and then claiming ignorance when stopped by police.
“Not knowing the road rules of a vehicle or device you are operating, is not a defence.
“If you want to ride e-scooters, know the rules,” SSgt Nalder said.
“Not wearing a helmet is the most common offence and extremely dangerous.
“Riders are risking serious, life-changing injuries, or worse.
“Many of the PMD fatalities in Queensland, the riders have been travelling less than 20km per hour.
“The PMD rules are in place for the safety of the riders, pedestrians and other road and path users.
“We know the community supports police conducting these operations as most drivers and pedestrians have witnessed or experienced e-scooter riders endangering themselves and others by riding dangerously and not even following basic rules like stopping at intersections.”
SSgt Nalder said Townsville residents can expect to see more PMD operations in the future.
Operation statistics
On November 16 and 17, officers patrolling Ross River Road, Charters Towers Road, Townsville City and The Strand and conducted 51 roadside breath tests, cautioned 10 PMD users and issued 48 infringements to PMD users. They included:
- 27 no helmet
- 16 on prohibited road (a road with a speed limit above 50km per hour)
- 2 carrying passenger
- 2 speeding
- 1 failing to stop at a stop sign
For more personal mobility device rules visit
https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/wheeled-devices/personal-mobility-devices
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
