Latest news with #TransportandMainRoads
Sydney Morning Herald
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Sydney Morning Herald
The big e-bike problem. They hurt.
'We see a lot of these riders with no helmets on at all, or bicycle helmets, and they're doing non-bicycle speeds. They're doing speeds that are normally reserved for registered vehicles like motorbikes, which have their own laws around protective equipment, like proper helmets.' The latest Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit data shows a 627 per cent jump in people going to hospital with an e-bike injury since 2019, though data analyst Jane Hayman noted the rate climbed as people were using the bikes more. There was a 60 per cent rise in injuries in the 2023/24 financial year. Hayman said 15-19 year olds were most often going to hospital in Victoria, followed by 20-24 and 25-29 year olds. 'While those aged 16 years or less are not legally allowed to ride on the road, 47 per cent of this age group were injured while riding on a road, street or highway,' Hayman said. 'This is a concern given that they are the largest age group attending hospitals. As e-bikes become more popular more research is warranted to find out how these bikes are being used and ridden by children.' Loading Earlier this month, a pedestrian was hit and killed by a modified e-bike in Victoria and the rider was left with likely 'life-changing' injuries. The dead man's brother called for e-bikes to be banned because of the danger they posed. In New South Wales this month, the government announced plans to legalise e-scooters following a parliamentary inquiry into their use, but made no changes to e-bike regulations. E-bikes that have been modified to go faster than 25km/h are illegal to ride on or near public roads in both Victoria and NSW. 'Work is going on to create a better framework for shared e-bike schemes that will reduce clutter on streets,' the NSW government said in a statement. 'E-bikes must be mostly propelled by riders; a motor cannot be the only source of power and is there to help riders ... The same rules and responsibilities apply to riders of an e-bike as a traditional bicycle.' Transport for NSW does not track e-bikes as a separate category in its injury data. In Queensland, the government launched a parliamentary inquiry this month into the use of e-mobility devices because of a rise in injuries from both e-bikes and e-scooters – up 112 per cent between 2021 and 2024. Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the increase in injuries could not be ignored. 'It's important we consider all research and opinions, to ensure a safe and reliable future for e-scooters and e-bikes, especially as we welcome visitors from all over the world for the 2032 Games,' he said in a statement. Queensland Police said more than 2700 infringements were issued for illegal e-mobility road use between November 2022 and December 2024.
The Age
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Age
The big e-bike problem. They hurt.
'We see a lot of these riders with no helmets on at all, or bicycle helmets, and they're doing non-bicycle speeds. They're doing speeds that are normally reserved for registered vehicles like motorbikes, which have their own laws around protective equipment, like proper helmets.' The latest Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit data shows a 627 per cent jump in people going to hospital with an e-bike injury since 2019, though data analyst Jane Hayman noted the rate climbed as people were using the bikes more. There was a 60 per cent rise in injuries in the 2023/24 financial year. Hayman said 15-19 year olds were most often going to hospital in Victoria, followed by 20-24 and 25-29 year olds. 'While those aged 16 years or less are not legally allowed to ride on the road, 47 per cent of this age group were injured while riding on a road, street or highway,' Hayman said. 'This is a concern given that they are the largest age group attending hospitals. As e-bikes become more popular more research is warranted to find out how these bikes are being used and ridden by children.' Loading Earlier this month, a pedestrian was hit and killed by a modified e-bike in Victoria and the rider was left with likely 'life-changing' injuries. The dead man's brother called for e-bikes to be banned because of the danger they posed. In New South Wales this month, the government announced plans to legalise e-scooters following a parliamentary inquiry into their use, but made no changes to e-bike regulations. E-bikes that have been modified to go faster than 25km/h are illegal to ride on or near public roads in both Victoria and NSW. 'Work is going on to create a better framework for shared e-bike schemes that will reduce clutter on streets,' the NSW government said in a statement. 'E-bikes must be mostly propelled by riders; a motor cannot be the only source of power and is there to help riders ... The same rules and responsibilities apply to riders of an e-bike as a traditional bicycle.' Transport for NSW does not track e-bikes as a separate category in its injury data. In Queensland, the government launched a parliamentary inquiry this month into the use of e-mobility devices because of a rise in injuries from both e-bikes and e-scooters – up 112 per cent between 2021 and 2024. Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the increase in injuries could not be ignored. 'It's important we consider all research and opinions, to ensure a safe and reliable future for e-scooters and e-bikes, especially as we welcome visitors from all over the world for the 2032 Games,' he said in a statement. Queensland Police said more than 2700 infringements were issued for illegal e-mobility road use between November 2022 and December 2024.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Little-known speed camera feature targeting drivers with $1,800 fines
The sight of a "cheeky" roadside camera targeting drivers going through road upgrades has prompted a reminder that even if workers are not present, speeding motorists can still cop a fine. The remote-controlled and solar-powered camera, known as a Roadways Behaviour Monitoring System (RBMS), was spotted by a driver who branded the sighting on the A1 in Queensland last month "cheeky", sparking a discussion about revenue-raising. However, authorities and motoring groups have urged drivers to remember that even if workers are not present, there may still be hazards, and fines still apply. "These camera devices enforce the speed limit 24 hours, 7 days a week, regardless of the presence of road-workers," a spokesperson for Transport and Main Roads told Yahoo News. In Queensland, drivers caught speeding less than 11km/h over the limit will cop a $322 fine, and the fine increases by every 10km over the speed limit. Drivers caught going 40km/h over the limit will face a $1,845 fine. In the new financial year which is just weeks away, fines in the state will increase by 3.5 per cent. The cameras began issuing fines in Queensland in April last year following a two-year data collection trial. The portable solar-powered devices were designed and built to sit on top of a mobile platform and be easily moved around worksites via a remote control. Their main goal is to protect roadside workers from speeding drivers around Queensland, however, they were previously criticised for being unrecognisable by passing drivers. RACQ spokesperson Gregory Miszkowycz told Yahoo there are "strict procedures and approvals" for roadworks speed limit setting and signing to ensure they are relevant for the type of work being completed. "It's important to slow down and obey the speed limit as these sites often have road workers within close proximity of traffic as well as other hazards for drivers, including road alignment changes, narrow lanes and loose surfaces," Miszkowycz said. 🦘 Gruesome detail in truckie video shows brutal reality of Aussie roads 🚨 Aussies warned after Tesla footage shows 'stupid' act that can cop a $2,200 fine 🅿️ Driver's 'dishonest and selfish' act on Aussie road sparks council investigation In 2024, Queensland recorded a 15-year high road toll with 303 people killed, and 1,300 deaths were recorded nationally. "Time and time again we see the same 'Fatal 5' dangerous driving behaviours causing the majority of fatal crashes," Miszkowycz said. Speeding Drink and drug driving Driving distracted Driving tired Not wearing a seatbelt RACQ is calling on drivers to change their attitudes towards speeding, to slow down and follow road rules. It is also calling on the state government to "improve law and order" on roads. "We're calling for an increase in highly visible on-road police, more random roadside drink and drug testing, and point-to-point speed cameras in high-crash zones, as well as cracking down on the state's most dangerous drivers through expanded impoundment or immobilisation laws," Miszkowycz said. Transport and Main Roads also urged Aussies to remember that "somebody's family member may be working in these environments, and they want to get home safely". In the 10 years between January 1, 2014 and 30 June 2024, there were 508 casualties in road works zones, with eight fatalities. "Slowing down, adhering to the speed limit, staying alert, driving to conditions, and following directions from traffic controllers will help ensure everyone gets home safely to their families," the spokesperson said. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mysterious number plate spotted on Aussie road raises eyebrows: 'Is it legal?'
Intriguing number plates often catch the eyes of drivers when they're spotted on Australian roads, with quirky phrases, clever wordplay, and eyebrow-raising combinations sparking everything from amusement to confusion. While customising number plates can be a costly exercise few ever care to consider — some sets require no letters or numbers at all. This week, a driver in Queensland questioned the legality of an intriguing set of plates spotted on a Lexus on the road in Milton, an inner suburb of Brisbane. "Spotted this car with no real numbers or [letters] on the road this morning on my dashcam," the motorist wrote online. "Is this legal?" they asked. The plates in question simply show a shiny silver crown protruding from an all black background. Some people responding replied with sarcasm, with one person saying, "Yeah mate, that's the Queen of Brisbane". But others pointed out the simple reality, that in fact, such plates are reserved for the Governor of Queensland — Dr Jeannette Young. Speaking to Yahoo News, a Transport and Main Roads spokesperson also confirmed the plates belong to the state's governor. The exclusivity of these plates helps with security, protocol, and formal identification, particularly during state functions or official events. Much like other states in Australia, these low-number or specially marked plates are not available to the general public and are held as part of the state's heritage and administrative identity. A key detail, barely visible through the front windscreen, is another giveaway. When the Governor of Queensland is travelling, her official vehicle is easy to spot — not just by the distinctive number plate, but also by the ceremonial flags mounted on the front bumper. For formal occasions, she is typically escorted by a motorcade, often including three police motorcycles leading the way. On less formal outings, it's common for an unmarked police car to accompany the vehicle, maintaining a discreet but constant security presence. In Victoria in February, a similar scenario played out in the CBD when a white BMW SUV's plates only showed a single crown on the front and rear. Dodgy detail in Aussie's number plate could attract $900 fine Truth about bizarre number plates causing confusion on streets Driver ordered to return 'offensive' number plates or rego will be cancelled They are in place on vehicles driven by important members of the Commonwealth, such as the Governor-General and State Governors. It might seem like an odd tradition to some, but it goes back decades and typically reflects the driver's vice-regal status, representing the British monarchy in Australia. The crown on the number plate signifies the vehicle's official government use and the occupant's role as the monarch's representative. It serves as a symbol of authority, similar to how royal insignia are used on official government documents, seals, and uniforms. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Driver cops $322 fine in common road rule misconception: 'Unfair'
An Aussie driver has sparked a wave of debate among motorists nationwide after being hit with a $322 fine and a demerit point for driving 69 per hour in a 60 zone. But, they questioned whether some leniency should have been allowed, given they were just metres from a 100km/h sign — clearly visible in the speed camera photo. The Queenslander admitted they'll "probably just cop it" and pay, but asked the community if anyone had ever fought such a penalty and won. "I just find the whole situation funny as," they wrote. In Australia, speed limits apply until a new limit is officially signposted, meaning exceeding the limit even just before a higher-speed zone is still an offence. Speaking to Yahoo News, A Queensland Police spokeswoman said this particular camera is operated by the department of Transport and Main Roads, who have been contacted for clarity on the matter. But dozens of Australians responding to the post argued the rule is "unfair", sharing their own experiences. "No one would have fought this and won," one person wrote. "The new limit doesn't apply until you hit the sign. So if you are going from 60 to 100, [you] can't do 100 until you reach the sign. And in reverse you must be doing 60 by the time you reach the sign." "Bit of a sh*t spot to catch people. Pretty clear this isn't for public safety," another claimed. "The speed zone changes when you pass the sign, not when you see the sign. You're most likely going to be out of luck," commented a third. Drivers warned of new fines ahead of major speed camera change Widespread belief about speed limits on Aussie roads busted Common myth about Aussie road deaths exposed "Happened to me, I was literally 10 metres from a 100km/h sign and started to speed up, and a highway patrol car booked me. It's always better to wait five seconds before speeding up … I learned the hard way" said another. What started as a single post quickly erupted into a lengthy debate, attracting many hundreds of responses. According to an excerpt from the state government's Traffic Manual, there are restrictions governing where speed detection devices should generally not be used. They include on the downgrade of a hill, within 300 metres after a speed limit reduction, or within 100 metres before a speed limit increase. Given this, the driver just might have a case. Though because the manual is a guideline and not law, it's not a guaranteed defence. However Yahoo understands officers in patrol cars are able to grant leniency in cases where drivers have been caught at speed limit changes. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
