Spate of close calls and near misses in Douglas Shire sparks e-scooter safety, responsibility reminder from ex Port Douglas Police boss

LAWS FLOUTED

David Gardiner

Journalist

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E-scooter laws are being flouted, but riders aren’t the only ones to blame, according to a senior former Douglas police officer and now councillor. Picture: TMR

Police have again been prompted to warn about the risks and dangers, as well as the rules and regulations of riding e-scooters in the Douglas Shire after a rise in accidents and near misses.

New Douglas Shire Councillor and previous Police officer-in-charge at Port Douglas Damian Meadows has criticised not only riders of the devices who continue to flout laws, but also some owners of hired out e-scooters in the area.

He told Newsport there’ve been many instances in Douglas of the popular vehicles being ridden dangerously and without much regard for safety and road rules – but that it’s not only the fault of the riders.

According to the experienced senior law officer, many of the problems largely rest with the companies which own and hire out the e-scooters – because of what he called a lack of risk management. 

“They say 'oh, BYO helmet and they (the hirers) just say, yes', so that the helmet that’s provided with the scooters remains locked to the device,” Cr Meadows said.

“There’s no checks and balances, there’s no accountability – and they throw that back on the hirer.

“Seriously, if they haven’t done the right risk management to negate the continued flouting of the rules, eventually they’re going to expose themselves in a court.”

Cr Meadows said he intends to bring the issue up more at Council now that he’s an elected local government official.

E-scooter laws continually flouted

He has himself witnessed both local residents and tourists flouting the e-scooter rules and regulations.

“Children under the age of 12 aren’t allowed to ride them at all. There’s one person per scooter. A person 12 to 16 must be under the direct supervision of an adult.

“People are just ignorant, and that’s the problem, but if you choose to be ignorant of the law, that’s not a defence.”

Cr Meadows said it’s an ongoing fine balancing act in the Douglas region, especially for Police, between maintaining a sense of social cohesion, ensuring public safety and upholding the law. 

“It’s a bit difficult to turn around and try and prosecute a parent who’s up here on holiday from Melbourne who’s riding with three kids who are seven, eight, nine on a scooter," he said.

Bad accidents waiting to happen

But without cracking down on those fliting the e-scooter laws, it might only be a matter of time before the local community have to deal with serious injuries, or worse.

“There’ve been fatalities (involving e-scooters) in Queensland, not in Port Douglas, but it doesn’t mean we’re immune to it,” he said, adding that there’ve also been many incidents of horrific falls, collisions and resulting injuries from the vehicles. 

“The majority of these injuries are upper body and face, head. People hitting curbs and going face-first into the pavement.” 

“Other states have banned them.”In New South Wales – apart from a few, selected trial areas – privately owned e-scooters are not allowed on roads or road-related areas, including in the trial areas.It’s a similar situation in South Australia."

Cr Meadows admits he’s not a fan of the e-scooters, and believes there are much safer forms of transport available in Douglas for visitors and local residents alike. 

“They’re a convenient form of transport at the moment, but I’d sooner see these companies invest in electric bikes rather than electric scooters,” he said.

“When you have people on electric bikes, they seem to be a bit more socially aware and they don’t ride them up and down footpaths, and to ride a bike in a bike lane is perfectly fine.” 

All the laws relating to e-scooters in Queensland can be found here:-

https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/wheeled-devices/personal-mobility-devices