State government releases new e-scooter parking plan

Queensland’s crackdown on e-scooter riders continues, with another annoying and dangerous habit being targeted.

The state government has released a new parking plan for e-scooters.

E-scooter riders who block footpaths when they park their devices could be slapped with a fine under reforms from the state government to make pathways more accessible.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey unveiled a new plan on Wednesday to target unruly e-scooter users who leave their scooters strewn across footpaths.

New designated e-mobility parking areas will be rolled out across the state under the plan, while a hotline is also set to be established so authorities can be called in to clear up footpaths.

Mr Bailey confirmed fines would also be considered in a bid to discourage riders from doing the wrong thing.

“For people with a disability, it is their human right to go to the same place as everybody else goes in the same kind of way,” the Minister said.

“So blocking pathways with e-scooters is just not acceptable.”

The Transport Department’s ‘e-Mobility Parking Plan’ suggests it would be difficult to fine e-scooter users for incorrect parking in the same way that motorists are fined.

However, it proposes that local governments strike agreements with e-scooter companies to develop disincentives for riders who don’t follow the rules.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey

It is understood this could include riders being slapped with extra charges from e-scooter companies if they park in the wrong area.

The plan also suggests that geo-fencing be expanded so that scooters cannot be parked in restricted areas.

“There is the potential for people to be fined for parking in a way that’s really inconsiderate of people’s right to get around appropriately,” Mr Bailey said.

“But we predominantly want to make sure people are well educated that when they think about leaving the e-scooter, they think about it in a way that they would think about leaving a car, a motorbike, a ute.

“We don’t leave them willy-nilly over a road to block people – and people need to think the same about e-scooters as well.”

Promotional activities will be ramped up in the coming months to educate the public, while the designated parking areas will be progressively rolled out from now.

Queenslanders With Disability Network chief executive Michelle Moss said making footpaths safer was important – especially for people with a disability.

“For people with disability, this means that they will be able to get around in their community safely,” she said.

“For people who are vision impaired, it means the difference in not being at risk of falling over a device … that is blocking the pathway.”