Police have conducted an operation in Brisbane overnight targeting unsafe use of electric scooters in the Fortitude Valley and Brisbane City Divisions.

Last night, Operation Romeo Overture ran using 30 officers from Fortitude Valley, Brisbane City and Mt Gravatt targeting people using electric scooters in an unsafe manner.

In particular, the operation focused on offences for not wearing a helmet while riding, with a total of 67 Traffic Infringement Notices issued.

A further eight infringements were issued by officers for other traffic related offences including rider distractions.

Officer in Charge of the Fortitude Valley Police Beat, Acting Sergeant Simon Rowe said that their focus was on reducing the amount of unsafe behaviour and potential serious injury by riders doing the wrong thing.

“The number of offences detected as part of this operation was concerning and we want to remind everyone that we do not tolerate people disregarding their own and others safety on scooters,” Acting Sergeant Rowe said.

“These scooters are generally used in urban areas such as the Fortitude Valley and Brisbane City, so you can image how dangerous it is when you have someone not wearing a helmet or doing the wrong thing in control of one with so many pedestrians and vehicles around on a bustling Friday night.

Officers also used the operation as an opportunity to engage with people using the scooters and assist them with what the laws are when you use them which has had a positive result.

When used correctly and safely, the scooters are great way to get around and see the city. We just want to make sure that people aren’t putting themselves or others at risk by making stupid decisions and taking unnecessary risks.”

Laws regarding the riding of electric scooters can be found at the below link:

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

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.