Police launch Operation Ride Safe to clamp down on illegal e-scooter use

With the extended trial of e-scooters with revised rules and the increased uptake in the use of e-scooters within the Melbourne CBD, Victoria Police will be conducting Operation Ride Safe.

The operation is in response to the growing number of e-scooter incidents and near-misses which are occurring throughout the precincts of Melbourne CBD, Southbank, and Docklands.

Melbourne East local area police commander Inspector Dale Huntington said police would be conducting visible foot patrols and police bike patrols of risk e-scooter locations throughout the city during the month of June. 

Police will be clamping down on those riding on pavements, excessive speed, riders not wearing helmets, multiple people on a single e-scooter and riding while over the prescribed alcohol limit.

 “The legal use of e-scooters in a safe and appropriate manner provides a fantastic new transport option for many tourists and locals when visiting or travelling through the Melbourne CBD,” Inspector Huntington said.

“It is the risky behaviours and illegal use of e-scooters which places individual riders and community members at risk that police will be targeting.”

Operation Regal

This operation will be a state-wide road policing operation being conducted over the King’s Birthday long weekend from 12.01am Friday, June 9 to 11.59pm Monday, June 12.

Operation Regal will be conducted throughout all operational police regions and police service areas (PSAs) during the four-day period.

A key focus of Operation Regal is to maintain a visible and active police presence on Victorian roads to act as a deterrent against unsafe road behaviour. 

The operation will target drug and alcohol impaired driving, speed, fatigue, distraction offences and seatbelt compliance.

Please be safe during the King’s Birthday break. •