Sunshine Coast police have used drone technology as part of a weekend blitz, targeting offenders on electric bicycles, e-scooters, and motorcycles in the Coolum Beach area.
The two-day operation on 2 and 3 November, led by officers from Coolum Beach with support from the State Road Policing Taskforce saw more than 10 e-motorcycles, e-scooters, and e-bicycles seized.
Sergeant Joel Bryant said police were disappointed with the lack of compliance by electric bicycle, e-scooter, e-skateboard and motorcycle riders, with a high number of young offenders flouting the law.
“Not knowing the road rules of a vehicle or device you are operating, is not a defence,” he said.
”If you want to ride an e-bicycle, an e-scooter, an e-skateboard or an e-motorbike, know the rules.
“Not wearing a helmet, or riding unlicensed, unregistered, and uninsured are the most common offences, however there are also concerning instances of users operating their e-motorcycle, e-scooter, or e-bicycle dangerously and endangering lives.
“Riders are risking serious, life-changing injuries, or worse.
“Many of the e-motorcycle, e-scooter and e-bicycle fatalities in Queensland, have occurred when the riders have been travelling less than 20km per hour.
“The road rules are in place for the safety of the riders, pedestrians, and other road and path users.
“We know the community supports police conducting these operations as most drivers and pedestrians have witnessed or experienced e-motorcycle, e-scooter and e-bicycle users endangering themselves and others by riding dangerously and not even following basic rules like stopping at intersections.”
Sergeant Bryant said Sunshine Coast residents can expect to see more road trauma reduction operations in the future, with plans underway to deliver a multi stakeholder community safety education day in Coolum and Noosa in a few weeks.
In a first for Sunshine Coast police, drone technology was used as part of the operation to assist officers in gathering evidence and tracking offenders.
“We are always looking to technology to provide better safety outcomes for the community,” Sergeant Bryant said.
“This has been a thoroughly researched project and included consultation with key stakeholders to develop procedures and policies for the effective and safe deployment of the drone technology during this operation.”
