THE Fraser Coast Regional Council will ask residents for their views on proposal to change laws governing the use of mobility devices – including E-scooters – on local footpaths.
Changes will help cater for the implementation of E-scooter hire businesses as well as growing use of personal devices by residents.
NOW READ: E-scooter penalties announced by Queensland Government
Division 4 Councillor Daniel Sanderson said local laws did not cater for E-scooters when being implemented.
“It became evident during the E-scooter trial that the local laws had to change to keep pace with modern trends and the increasing use of personal mobility devices,” Cr Sanderson said.
“A part of the process to change the local law is a call for public feedback. The feedback will help us ensure that personal mobility devices are used safely on Council footpaths.
ALSO READ: Reforms coming for E-scooter riders as action plan announced
“The recent changes to E-scooter regulations by the Queensland Government will also help ensure people are safe.”
The call for feedback on the proposal will be held later this year and facilitated through Council’s Engagement Hub website.
“I urge residents to log on and register on the Engagement Hub so they receive alerts when Council is calling for feedback,” Cr Sanderson said.
E-scooters: The changing face of Fraser Coast transport
Interim local laws have enabled the recent use of E-scooters on footpaths as part of the E-scooter trial, however, the current interim local law will expire on 19 February 2023.
“We look forward to receiving the feedback,” Cr Sanderson said.
“It’s important to note that many of the concerns raised by residents during the E-scooter trial have been addressed by the introduction of new State Government regulations, especially those governing speed restrictions.”
PHOTOS: New e-scooter program takes flight in Hervey Bay
The new Queensland Government laws taking effect on 1 November lower speeds on footpaths to 12 km/h, increase fines to up to $1,078 for dangerous offences, and mandate bells in addition to helmets and lights.
More details are available, here.
We’d love to hear from you on this topic. Are law changes needed to better govern the use of E-scooters on the Fraser Coast. If you had to implement a single rule regarding the use of E-scooters on the Fraser Coast, what would it be? Let us know in the comments below.
Hashtags: #goodnewsfrasercoast | #frasercoastnews | #frasercoast | #finditfrasercoast
Keywords: Good News Fraser Coast | Fraser Coast News | Hervey Bay news | Maryborough news | Find it Fraser Coast
People making changes to rules need to understand the need for safety. It only takes a person walking a dog, a push bike or scooter on the narrow footpaths on the esplanade to have a serious situation. Footpaths are for people walking when there is in insufficient room for passing. People on mobile equipment believe they have right of way and have expectation pedestrians should get out of there way. I personally have been abused and knocked a few times by riders. Only real path that is suitable at this time is the train line. I feel the council will be heavily sued when issues arise as they are ultimately responsible for approving shared footpaths even though there is no room for safe passing. It is now no longer enjoyable to walk along the esplanade
Hi Margaret,
Thank you so much for your comment. I was just wondering if you were opposed to E-scooters as a form of transport, or is it just safety issues around shared footpaths etc? What I’m trying to find out is whether you would be happy to have E-scooters as a form of transport around the Fraser Coast if provisions were made to accommodate E-scooters as well as pedestrians on shared footpaths.
Thanks again for your support,
Shaun
I think the path along the esplanade is great for walkers and slow bike, scooter users, but in a lot of areas is not wide enough. For the faster Bike or scooter riders the only safer option is to build another proper tarmac pathway.
Hi Alan,
Thanks so much for your comment.
I think another proper tarmac pathway for E-scooter riders is a great idea, but sadly probably not a short-term solution.
New rules kicking in at the beginning of November mean E-scooter riders can only travel 12kmph on footpaths. Unfortunately, the successful implementation of this boils down to people doing the right thing and enforcement. Just like driving a car on the road, most adhering to the rules will come down to people doing the right thing.
Thanks again for the support,
Shaun