Latest news with #Aitchison
The Advertiser
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
E-bike rules written but enforcement up in the air
More e-scooters and e-bikes will be on shared footpaths in one state, but just who will police the strict speed limits remains unclear with one wheel forward, two wheels back. Hours after a serious crash involving an illegally modified e-bike highlighted safety risks, the NSW government on Tuesday unveiled its answer to the rise in e-mobility devices. It has proposed allowing e-scooters to be ridden on shared paths with a default speed limit of between 10 and 20km/h. On roads signposted at 50km/h, they would be limited to 20km/h. Riders would need to be aged at least 16, consistent with all Australian jurisdictions except the ACT and European recommendations. Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison admitted she was unsure who would enforce those speed limits, with neither local councils nor police seemingly keen to take on the task. Councils believe they do not have the resources or power, while an undermanned police force is already struggling with staffing issues. "We know that is an area of challenge, but obviously, like all traffic, police are predominantly the ones responsible for enforcement," Ms Aitchison said. The government does not intend to speed-limit e-bikes, as their motors are not the only source of power. It will however review the formal definition of an e-bike within NSW's road rules. Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said no footpath speed limits and no detail on how state departments would improve enforcement was a missed opportunity. "The rule that allows a 12-year-old on a fat bike to ride at the same speed on the footpath as on the road next to it is an obvious safety risk for pedestrians," she said."All the rules in the world can be put in place but we know that without enforcement, they will be ineffective." Greens MP Cate Faehrmann, who chaired a parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility devices, said the government must not delay its work on e-bikes and the need to build dedicated parking infrastructure. "It appears as though the government is content with leaving councils to deal with the problems that the rapid growth in shared e-bike schemes has created," she said. The inquiry response landed against the backdrop of a serious collision in Victoria, where two men were taken to hospital after one was struck by an illegally modified e-bike. A 69-year-old pedestrian hit by the e-bike in Hastings, on the Mornington Peninsula, died in hospital on Tuesday. The rider, a 24-year-old man, was also seriously injured. No charges have been laid over the incident. E-scooters have been stuck in a legislative bind in NSW - they are available to buy but illegal to operate in public spaces. There are an estimated 1.35 million e-micromobility devices in homes across NSW, with almost half of them used to connect people with public transport. More e-scooters and e-bikes will be on shared footpaths in one state, but just who will police the strict speed limits remains unclear with one wheel forward, two wheels back. Hours after a serious crash involving an illegally modified e-bike highlighted safety risks, the NSW government on Tuesday unveiled its answer to the rise in e-mobility devices. It has proposed allowing e-scooters to be ridden on shared paths with a default speed limit of between 10 and 20km/h. On roads signposted at 50km/h, they would be limited to 20km/h. Riders would need to be aged at least 16, consistent with all Australian jurisdictions except the ACT and European recommendations. Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison admitted she was unsure who would enforce those speed limits, with neither local councils nor police seemingly keen to take on the task. Councils believe they do not have the resources or power, while an undermanned police force is already struggling with staffing issues. "We know that is an area of challenge, but obviously, like all traffic, police are predominantly the ones responsible for enforcement," Ms Aitchison said. The government does not intend to speed-limit e-bikes, as their motors are not the only source of power. It will however review the formal definition of an e-bike within NSW's road rules. Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said no footpath speed limits and no detail on how state departments would improve enforcement was a missed opportunity. "The rule that allows a 12-year-old on a fat bike to ride at the same speed on the footpath as on the road next to it is an obvious safety risk for pedestrians," she said."All the rules in the world can be put in place but we know that without enforcement, they will be ineffective." Greens MP Cate Faehrmann, who chaired a parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility devices, said the government must not delay its work on e-bikes and the need to build dedicated parking infrastructure. "It appears as though the government is content with leaving councils to deal with the problems that the rapid growth in shared e-bike schemes has created," she said. The inquiry response landed against the backdrop of a serious collision in Victoria, where two men were taken to hospital after one was struck by an illegally modified e-bike. A 69-year-old pedestrian hit by the e-bike in Hastings, on the Mornington Peninsula, died in hospital on Tuesday. The rider, a 24-year-old man, was also seriously injured. No charges have been laid over the incident. E-scooters have been stuck in a legislative bind in NSW - they are available to buy but illegal to operate in public spaces. There are an estimated 1.35 million e-micromobility devices in homes across NSW, with almost half of them used to connect people with public transport. More e-scooters and e-bikes will be on shared footpaths in one state, but just who will police the strict speed limits remains unclear with one wheel forward, two wheels back. Hours after a serious crash involving an illegally modified e-bike highlighted safety risks, the NSW government on Tuesday unveiled its answer to the rise in e-mobility devices. It has proposed allowing e-scooters to be ridden on shared paths with a default speed limit of between 10 and 20km/h. On roads signposted at 50km/h, they would be limited to 20km/h. Riders would need to be aged at least 16, consistent with all Australian jurisdictions except the ACT and European recommendations. Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison admitted she was unsure who would enforce those speed limits, with neither local councils nor police seemingly keen to take on the task. Councils believe they do not have the resources or power, while an undermanned police force is already struggling with staffing issues. "We know that is an area of challenge, but obviously, like all traffic, police are predominantly the ones responsible for enforcement," Ms Aitchison said. The government does not intend to speed-limit e-bikes, as their motors are not the only source of power. It will however review the formal definition of an e-bike within NSW's road rules. Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said no footpath speed limits and no detail on how state departments would improve enforcement was a missed opportunity. "The rule that allows a 12-year-old on a fat bike to ride at the same speed on the footpath as on the road next to it is an obvious safety risk for pedestrians," she said."All the rules in the world can be put in place but we know that without enforcement, they will be ineffective." Greens MP Cate Faehrmann, who chaired a parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility devices, said the government must not delay its work on e-bikes and the need to build dedicated parking infrastructure. "It appears as though the government is content with leaving councils to deal with the problems that the rapid growth in shared e-bike schemes has created," she said. The inquiry response landed against the backdrop of a serious collision in Victoria, where two men were taken to hospital after one was struck by an illegally modified e-bike. A 69-year-old pedestrian hit by the e-bike in Hastings, on the Mornington Peninsula, died in hospital on Tuesday. The rider, a 24-year-old man, was also seriously injured. No charges have been laid over the incident. E-scooters have been stuck in a legislative bind in NSW - they are available to buy but illegal to operate in public spaces. There are an estimated 1.35 million e-micromobility devices in homes across NSW, with almost half of them used to connect people with public transport. More e-scooters and e-bikes will be on shared footpaths in one state, but just who will police the strict speed limits remains unclear with one wheel forward, two wheels back. Hours after a serious crash involving an illegally modified e-bike highlighted safety risks, the NSW government on Tuesday unveiled its answer to the rise in e-mobility devices. It has proposed allowing e-scooters to be ridden on shared paths with a default speed limit of between 10 and 20km/h. On roads signposted at 50km/h, they would be limited to 20km/h. Riders would need to be aged at least 16, consistent with all Australian jurisdictions except the ACT and European recommendations. Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison admitted she was unsure who would enforce those speed limits, with neither local councils nor police seemingly keen to take on the task. Councils believe they do not have the resources or power, while an undermanned police force is already struggling with staffing issues. "We know that is an area of challenge, but obviously, like all traffic, police are predominantly the ones responsible for enforcement," Ms Aitchison said. The government does not intend to speed-limit e-bikes, as their motors are not the only source of power. It will however review the formal definition of an e-bike within NSW's road rules. Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said no footpath speed limits and no detail on how state departments would improve enforcement was a missed opportunity. "The rule that allows a 12-year-old on a fat bike to ride at the same speed on the footpath as on the road next to it is an obvious safety risk for pedestrians," she said."All the rules in the world can be put in place but we know that without enforcement, they will be ineffective." Greens MP Cate Faehrmann, who chaired a parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility devices, said the government must not delay its work on e-bikes and the need to build dedicated parking infrastructure. "It appears as though the government is content with leaving councils to deal with the problems that the rapid growth in shared e-bike schemes has created," she said. The inquiry response landed against the backdrop of a serious collision in Victoria, where two men were taken to hospital after one was struck by an illegally modified e-bike. A 69-year-old pedestrian hit by the e-bike in Hastings, on the Mornington Peninsula, died in hospital on Tuesday. The rider, a 24-year-old man, was also seriously injured. No charges have been laid over the incident. E-scooters have been stuck in a legislative bind in NSW - they are available to buy but illegal to operate in public spaces. There are an estimated 1.35 million e-micromobility devices in homes across NSW, with almost half of them used to connect people with public transport.
West Australian
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
E-scooters to be allowed on some streets, paths in NSW government proposal
E-scooters could soon become legal to ride on shared paths and suburban roads in NSW, after the state government revealed its long-awaited plan to reform the state's road regulation. An inquiry held by the NSW Legislative Council recommended in its final report earlier this year that 'significant and urgent reform' be undertaken in regard to the use of e-bikes, e-scooters, and mobility devices in the state. Laws around use of mobility devices are currently somewhat opaque, with the committee having made 34 recommendations including reducing speed limits to 30km for all vehicles and allowing their use on footpaths. NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said there were about 1.3 million e-mobility devices already on the NSW network, despite it only being legal in the state to buy an e-scooter – riding one, meanwhile, had been illegal. 'We need to ensure that we are using them properly and safely, and that we are balancing the cost of living and environmental and congestion benefits with the very important safety issues that can be caused,' she said. 'Our response is about getting the balance right so that we can protect the community, but also understand and address the reality that we've got. 'If we look at this whole scenario, we have had a very methodical approach.' Ms Aitchison admitted it was 'unrealistic' to tell e-scooter riders they cannot use them, or to 'expect people are just going to leave them in their sheds', saying there was agreeance on the need for regulation and education. So far, the NSW government is only presenting its response to the inquiry, which was due on Tuesday and which Ms Aitchison said saw the government support the majority of the NSW Legislative Council's findings. Legislation will be put to parliament later this year. Ms Aitchison said the state government had undertaken trials into the use of e-mobility devices, and had also looked to other jurisdictions in regard to how they have legislated the use of such devices on roads and paths. Under the proposal, e-scooters will be permitted on shared paths, but not footpaths zoned exclusively for pedestrians. They will also be allowed on roads with a speed limit up 50km, but would be limited to travelling at 20kms. Under the proposed rules, e-scooter use will be limited to independent riders over the age of 16. The proposal does not outline any new speed limits for e-bikes. The final letter of the Bill would follow consultation with police and with Transport for NSW. The state government is not looking at a registration scheme, and certain modified e-bikes will remain illegal. Legalising e-scooters on shared paths and suburban roads would bring NSW in line with most other Australian states.
Calgary Herald
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Alberta remained a Conservative stronghold in the federal election, what happened to the Liberals and NDP?
Article content Alberta was a sea of blue with a speck or two of orange and red in the 2025 federal election with the Conservatives picking up 34 of the 37 seats in the province. Article content Article content Throughout the five-week campaign, polls suggested there was a chance the federal Liberals would finally break through the long-time Conservative stronghold, but ultimately failed to do so. The final result of the federal election in Alberta ended with the Conservatives regaining two ridings held by Liberal and NDP incumbents. Article content Article content Postmedia spoke to Colin Aitchison, Western Canada director at communications firm Enterprise Canada and a former UCP staffer, to discuss why the federal NDP and Liberals failed to break through in Alberta, the role of split votes and why the province remains predominantly blue. Article content Article content Canadians were expecting a tight race this federal election and, in Alberta specifically, several ridings were thought to potentially flip to the Liberal party. Article content Aitchison said Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his party were able to appeal to the 'traditional' Alberta Conservative base. He said Albertans have felt disenfranchised by the federal Liberals, despite a change in leadership with Liberal Leader Mark Carney and his positive reception from many Canadians. Article content Article content Over the years, some Albertans have felt federal policies are often geared towards Quebec or Ontario and feel that Liberal governments are not pro-energy or resource development — two industries that drive Alberta's economy, according to Aitchison. Article content Article content 'They often see election results, except for this time around, decided before they even start counting ballots in Alberta and they feel that their role in Canada's Confederation, not to use Jason Kenney language, but they feel like they haven't been getting a fair deal,' Aitchison said. Article content 'I think that's why we see time and time again, Conservative voters really coalescing and voting conservative federally, because they feel that that is the only party that will get those policies done rightfully or wrongfully.'
CBC
29-04-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Conservative Scott Aitchison projected winner in Parry Sound-Muskoka
Conservative incumbent Scott Aitchison is projected to win the Parry Sound-Muskoka riding. This is his third straight win in the riding. The former mayor of Huntsville also ran against Pierre Poilievre for the Conservative leadership in 2022. "I'm honoured that the people of Parry Sound-Muskoka have put their faith in me once again, regardless of what's happening at the national level, to be their voice and occupy their chair in the House of Commons," Aitchison told CBC News from his victory party Monday night. He and the rest of the Conservative party had been expecting a different result from this vote, riding a 25 per cent lead in the polls just a few months ago, to now find themselves staying on the opposition benches. "You know, there's no question that Donald Trump has inflicted a whole new level of complexity to our campaign nationally and that's been fairly frustrating for us," Aitchison said. The Parry Sound-Muskoka riding is a real Conservative stronghold, with the blue team holding it for the past 20 years and most of the last century. Liberal candidate Geordie Sabbagh, a local filmmaker, finished in second place, with about 40 per cent of the vote, with about half of polls reporting. The NDP's Heather Hay was a distant third.
The Courier
23-04-2025
- The Courier
Underfed dogs with cropped ears seized from Perthshire house
A woman has been cleared of animal neglect after 'severely undernourished' puppies and dogs with cropped ears were seized from her Perthshire home. Animal welfare officers rescued 22 dogs from Veronica Farquharson's two-bedroom property on Christmas Day 2022. One Rottweiller was described as 'emaciated', with her ribs and spine visible through her skin. The eight pups – found so cold they were huddled together inside a crate – have since died. Ms Farquharson, 55, went on trial at Perth Sheriff Court accused of failing to protect the six dogs and 16 puppies from disease and suffering. It was alleged she failed to give them adequate hydration, nutrition and a clean environment. She denied responsibility for the dogs, claiming they were owned by her son James Farquharson and another man Aaron Eggie, who recently appeared in court after his XL Bully mauled a Labrador and attacked a horse. Prosecutors said she did not seek pain relief or 'wound management' for the puppies. After two days of evidence, all six animal health and welfare charges against Ms Farquharson were found to be not proven. Scottish SPCA inspector Kathleen Aitchison said the animal welfare charity had been called by police on Christmas Day, raising concerns about the condition of several dogs at Farquharson's home in Balbeggie, near Coupar Angus. 'There was a strong smell as you walked into the property, most likely urine,' the inspector said. In a small galley kitchen, there were two crates of puppies stacked on top of each another. Ms Aitchison said the top box had eight Rottweiler-cross dogs. 'From a distance you could see they were cold. They were all huddled together in one corner.' She said the puppies appeared 'severely undernourished'. Ms Aitchison told fiscal depute Andrew Harding there was a small heater on the kitchen unit which was providing some warmth but it was not reaching the three bully-type dogs, which had 'freshly cropped ears'. She said: 'There was scabbing along the tips of the ears. Some of them looked marginally infected as well.' In the living room, there was another crate with three adult bully-types named Skunk, Chunk and Diego. An XL Bully with cropped ears called Bosco and a female Rottweiler called Harley were loose in the house. Harley appeared emaciated, with a body score of one out of five. The inspector said: 'You could see her ribs and spine.' Another adult bully-type called Queen Bee was not quite as thin but had 'minimal hair covering' and red, inflamed skin. Ms Aitchison said: 'She had to be carried out to our van – she was unwilling to walk because her paws were so sore.' When the inspector asked Ms Farquharson about Queen Bee's condition, she was told: 'I asked my son if I could take her to the vets for her skin but he said no.' Upstairs, there was a bedroom the inspector described as 'immaculate,' which Ms Farquharson said her son used. In a second bedroom, there was a dog the SSPCA officer was warned was 'too aggressive'. Ms Aitchison and police officers waited in the sitting room while the dog, an XL Bully called Rambo, was moved downstairs. She said: 'He wasn't aggressive at all – he was a lovely, friendly big boy. He was just a bit rambunctious.' In Rambo's room, there was another crate with three bully-types with freshly cropped ears. They had some dried food – the only dog food Ms Aitchison saw in the property – but it was 'unpalatable' as it was mixed with dog faeces. After touring the house, Ms Aitchison informed Ms Farquharson the dogs would be seized. She told the court: 'She seemed more concerned about her own safety once her son found out they had been taken but she seemed quite relieved that the dogs were leaving.' Under cross-examination by defence agent Mike Tavendale, Ms Aitchison confirmed Ms Farquharson told her the dogs belonged to her son and Mr Eggie. Ms Aitchison was shown newspaper clippings of Mr Eggie's May 2024 appearance at Forfar Sheriff Court, after his XL Bully Blue escaped and charged towards a group of young horse riders in Kirriemuir. The SSPCA inspector said she was also shown a text allegedly sent to Ms Farquharson from her son, stating if the dogs were removed she would 'have to deal with Aaron'. Sold dogs on Snapchat Mr Farquharson was interviewed by SSPCA officers in February 2023. He told them: 'I work away from home. My mum was given money to look after them but she's lazy. 'Sometimes I would come back and she hasn't used half of the food that she should have.' Asked what he thought of the condition of the dogs, he said in the interview: 'Not good at all. I shouldn't have taken on so many dogs when I was working away.' Mr Farquharson, who was not called as a witness, said he was selling the puppies to 'friends and on Snapchat' for £3,000 each. Giving evidence at her trial, Ms Farquharson insisted she had not been left to look after the dogs and was not given any money by her son. She accepted the dogs were in poor condition but said: 'I wanted to take them to a vet, but I was threatened. 'I would have ended up getting belted.' The court heard she called the police on Christmas Day, alleging her son had assaulted her. 'Have you seen your son since this time?' asked Mr Harding. 'No and I don't want to,' was the reply. Sheriff Alison McKay told Ms Farquharson: 'On the basis of the evidence before me, I am not satisfied the Crown have established these charges beyond a reasonable doubt. 'I find all charges not proven.'
