Police target e-bikes, road safety during school holidays

SCHOOL holidays are now in full swing across Victoria and police on the Surf Coast are busy ensuring everyone gets home safely.

During the two-week break, members of Victoria Police are conducting several operations across the region

Torquay Senior Sergeant Adrian Bickley said police are targeting e-bike and e-scooter users, educating where possible, to decrease the risk of accidents.

“We’ve listened to community concerns regarding e-bikes and e-scooters within the Surf Coast and Torquay and we’re running Operation Electro over the holidays, targeting users of e-bikes and e-scooters from an education and penalty point of view.

“The main complaint we’re hearing is people, especially on e-scooters, getting around on footpaths and putting people at risk.”

E-bikes are not permitted to go more than 25kmh, be on footpaths or carry passengers. Riders must also wear a helmet.

E-scooter users must be over 16 years of age and must wear a helmet. Riders are not permitted to travel more than 20kmh or ride on footpaths.

“We’re well aware of the issues coming through and trying to ensure they’re [e-bikes and e-scooters] being utilised properly,” Sgt Bickley said.

“Parents have to be aware, if they go and purchase an e-scooter, they have to ensure children are compliant with the rules that go with that scooter.”

Police will also be out in force this long weekend with Operation Scoreboard, a statewide policing operation on the roads.

There will be an increased number of police on the roads, enforcing driver fatigue and ensuring people are complying with road rules.

While traffic around the Surf Coast will increase, so will the population, as many head to the popular holiday destination during the school holidays.

As more people arrive in the area, Sgt Bickley is reminding everyone to ensure they have locked their homes and cars to deter would-be thieves.

“With the influx of people coming into Surf Coast communities over school holidays, people need to lock up their homes and lock up their cars.

“The message is so important because we see cars and homes being broken into and it could all be stopped simply by locking a door.

“The public need to be aware and take some responsibility to ensure their items are safe.”

If you see something suspicious and require police, phone Triple Zero (000). For more information and tips on how to stay safe, head to police.vic.gov.au/e-bike-safety