Whitsunday council to vote on call for e-scooter regulation
As e-scooters mushroom across the region, there are growing concerns splintered regulations are putting people at risk.
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As e-scooters mushroom across Mackay and the Whitsundays, Whitsunday Regional Council could push the state government for clearer guidance on how we should all live in the new era of mobility.
At the August 10 meeting, councillors will vote on whether to submit a motion to the Local Government Association of Queensland calling on the state government to “clarify the regulation of e-scooters regarding approved use, speed limits and enforcement provisions to ensure safety and greater uniformity across the State”.
The motion, requested by Councillor Clifford, will be taken to the LGAQ conference on October 17-19 if carried.
The council agenda document states the issue of e-scooters needs greater regulation given the sudden upsurge in use in recent months.
“The footpaths of streets have experienced a surge in numbers of e-bikes and e-scooters in the last few years, causing a great divide between those on foot and those on wheels,” the document states.
“Beyond simply being an annoyance to one another, there’s also major safety concerns.
“Collisions between pedestrians and riders can result in serious injuries including head injuries and broken bones.
“Following recent incidents, accidents and near misses, there is an emerging need to make the footpaths, shared paths, and roadways safer for all by imposing consistent regulations on e-scooters.”
The document states regulations around e-scooters are splintered.
“Currently the operation of e-scooters on a public road is a Queensland Police matter,” the document states.
“Council’s Local Law No.4. provides for regulating that activity on areas regulated by Council.
“There are inconsistencies in how local governments and the state are dealing with the regulation of e-scooter activities, which should be clarified as their constant use appears ahead of the regulators and rule makers.
“These impacts are being seen throughout the region not just within the tourist-based areas, who have been dealing with the increase in other wheeled and motorised recreation devices.
“More clarity is sought on how this can be better dealt with.”
Mackay has also welcomed e-scooters to its transportation mix and purple Beam scooters are now a familiar sight across the Sugar City.
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson tried out a scooter at Bluewater Quay on June 10 alongside Councillors Pauline Townsend, Fran Mann, Karen Day and Belinda Hassan and representatives from Beam.
“Very smooth,” the mayor said when asked how it went.
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