The WA Government has announced it will task a cross-party Parliamentary Committee with investigating options to improve the safety and regulation of e-rideables in a bid to strengthen its management of the devices across the state.
The Community Development and Justice Standing Committee will be requested to consider and make recommendations on penalties for illegal behaviour on e-rideables, the Government confirmed in a statement.
The committee will also be asked to consider restrictions such as night-time curfews in entertainment precincts and other highly populated pedestrian areas.
“I am very concerned about the safety of e-riders and pedestrians on Perth’s paths and roads, and that is why we’ve chosen to take a bipartisan approach on this important matter,” said Road Safety and Police Minister, Reece Whitby.
“This latest commitment follows my work with WA Police, who carried out an enforcement blitz in entertainment precincts this past weekend.
“I have also asked the Road Safety Commission to educate and promote awareness of the correct and legal use of e-rideables within the community.”
The regulatory framework governing ‘for hire’ e-rideable devices will be examined and the committee will also provide advice on opportunities for Commonwealth intervention to limit non-compliant devices being imported into Australia.
The Minister said the committee will also be requested to receive and interpret data on injuries related to e-rideables including frequency, severity, location and time of day.
Where possible, data will also be obtained on injuries relating to privately-owned versus ‘for hire’ e-rideable devices.
A motion to establish the inquiry will be moved by the Minister in Parliament next week with a report to be presented by the end of September.
