Have your say on local law change proposed for e-scooters
Fraser Coast residents are invited to have their say on a proposal to change local laws for the use of personal mobility devices on footpaths.
Cr Daniel Sanderson said the current laws needed to be amended to keep pace with modern trends.
“When the local laws were originally developed, they did not cater for e-scooters because they were few and far between,” he said.
“The changes are needed to cater for the increasing use of personal e-scooters by residents and the establishment of e-scooter hire businesses.
“A part of the process to change the local law is a call for public submissions. The feedback will help us ensure that personal mobility devices are used safely on Council footpaths.
“The recent changes to e-scooter regulations by the Queensland Government will also help ensure people are safe.”
A copy of the proposed subordinate local law is available on Council’s website at https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/local-laws with residents invited to provide written submissions to Council by 25 November 2022.
Submissions can be sent via email to enquiry@frasercoast.qld.gov.au, by mail to the Chief Executive Officer, Fraser Coast Regional Council, PO Box 1943, Hervey Bay, QLD, 4655 or delivered in person to a Council Customer Service Centre.
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.”
The new Queensland Government laws that take effect today (1 November) lower speeds on footpaths to 12 km/h, increase fines to up to $1078 for dangerous offences, and mandate bells in addition to helmets and lights.
More details are available here - www.qld.gov.au/streetsmarts