Mobilein

Moreton

The safe way to use mobility scootersand motorised wheelchairs

in the community of Moreton

Mobilein

Moreton

The safe way to use mobility scootersand motorised wheelchairs

in the community of Moreton

Great state. Great opportunity.

Acknowledgements

This guide has been produced by the Queensland Police Service in partnership with Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Moreton Bay Regional Council and provides information and guidance for moving about on mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs.

The publishers would like to recognise the support and contribution of:

City of Greater Bendigo Fraser Coast Regional Council John Allison – Illustrations

© State of Queensland (Queensland Police Service) 2014

With the exception of the QPS logos, images, other third party material or devices protected by a trademark, the content of Mobile in Moreton is licensed under the Creative Commons Australia Attribution 3.0 Licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/deed.en). We request attribution as: © State of Queensland (Queensland Police Service) 2014. All other rights are reserved.

The Queensland Police Service has undertaken reasonable enquiries to identify material owned by third parties and secure permission for its reproduction. Permission may need to be obtained from third parties to re-use their material. If you have any questions about the re-use of the materials, please contact:

Intellectual Property CoordinatorInformation Resource Centre, Queensland Police ServiceGPO Box 1440 Brisbane QLD 4001PH: 07 3364 3958 FX: 07 3364 3942EM: copyright@police.qld.gov.au. The Queensland Police Service web address is www.police.qld.gov.au.

Foreword

As the District Officer for Moreton Police District, I consider road safety to be a priority in terms of policing and safety in our community. The Queensland Police Service

places a strong emphasis on stopping road trauma and the resultant impact that it has not only on those who are injured, but on families, health systems and emergency services.

We do this through not only traditional enforcement, but also through building better awareness by working in partnership with agencies in the community such as Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Moreton Bay Regional Council. Strategies, such as the Mobile in Moreton project, connect officers directly with people in the community who use mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs and help us to keep in touch with vital safety messages.

Our other programs such as the ‘Confident Safe & Secure Living in Moreton’ — a project assisting seniors to feel safe in the community — goes hand-in-hand with this project ensuring consistent messages of the importance of safety are conveyed to the community.

As police officers we enforce the road rules, however, road safety is ‘Everybody’ and it is ‘Everyday’ — meaning that it is everyone’s responsibility to keep the roads safe at all times. I hope this booklet will assist those members of our community who still wish to be out and about enjoying this beautiful Moreton region through the use of mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs.

District Officer, Moreton Police District, Superintendent Michael Brady

In 2010, as part of our commitment to road safety, council adopted the Road Safety Strategic Plan for the Moreton Bay Region. The plan provides a framework and

direction for a holistic and integrated approach to road safety.

In partnering with the Queensland Police Service and Department of Transport and Main Roads to develop the Mobile in Moreton mobility scooter and motorised wheelchair booklet, we are actively working towards achieving one of our road safety goals — improving the safety of vulnerable road users.

This resource was developed with community input. A range of organisations were contacted for feedback on the operation of mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs in the region.

It is my aim that the safety tips and information provided in the Mobile in Moreton booklet will help make the Moreton Bay Region an even better place to live, work and play — after all Road Safety is Everybody’s Business.

Moreton Bay Regional Council, Mayor Allan Sutherland

The Department of Transport and Main Roads is committed to improving safety on all Queensland roads and roadsides. Through building strong partnerships with

agencies in the community, Department of Transport and Main Roads aims to increase public exposure to important messages and engage in key road safety initiatives.

Mobile in Moreton is one such project designed to improve and ensure the safety of all road users, as well as those using mobility devices. Studies indicate more and more Queenslanders are using mobility devices each year and this number will continue to rise along with Queensland’s aging population.

With this in mind, it is anticipated that Mobile in Moreton will serve as a timely and continuous reminder to all road users that when it comes to safety, we all have a role to play. It is also hoped this booklet will provide users of mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs with the right information to ensure they continue to travel safely in Queensland.

Regional Director, SEQ North, Department of Transport and Main Roads, Kellie Hammond

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Contents

Road rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Speed limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Pedestrian rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Buying, registering, borrowing or lending a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Buying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Registering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Borrowing or lending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Stay safe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Before heading off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Be seen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Safe stopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Safe travelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Travelling on roads and footpaths. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Courtesy and etiquette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9For safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Crossing railway lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Public transport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Trains and buses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Travelling with companions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Self-assessment checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Co-ordination and strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Physical balance and endurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Perception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Thought process and memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Feelings and judgement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Medication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15And finally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Useful contacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Emergencies — phone Triple Zero (000). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Non urgent incidents — Policelink 131 444 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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Mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs are a great way to move around independently if you cannot walk or you have difficulty walking.

This guide provides a range of information and safety tips on the use of mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs.

Road rules

Any person using a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair must obey the Queensland road rules. They can only be used on footpaths and other road related areas if the mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair is registered.

Mobility scooter and motorised wheelchair users are classed as pedestrians under Queensland Road Rules – this means that all mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs must travel on the footpath, shared paths, bicycle paths or nature strips (such as grass verges between the footpath and the road) whenever possible.

A mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair that is used outside the home must be registered with the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Speed limits

Mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs are not allowed to travel at a speed of more than 10km/h.

Always exercise due care and attention for the safety of others, including travelling at an appropriate speed (which, depending on the situation, may be less than the maximum speed of 10km/h). You must regulate your speed to that of other pedestrians up to a maximum of 10km/h.

Mobility scooter and motorised

wheelchair users are classed as

pedestrians under current road rules.

Pedestrian rules

Mobility scooter and motorised wheelchair users are classed as pedestrians under current road rules.

Important rules to remember when using a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair:

• Give way to others when using a footpath or nature strip• When crossing the road always use crossings where available and

cross by the shortest, most direct and safest route• Do not remain on a pedestrian crossing for

longer than necessary• Do not stop on a footpath or road to

inconvenience, obstruct, hinder or prevent the free passage of any other pedestrians or vehicles

• Do not unnecessarily block the path of other footpath users

• If a footpath, pathway or nature strip is in a usable condition, do not travel on the road. If no footpath is available for use, you must travel as closely as possible to the left or right hand side of the road, but you must face oncoming traffic at all times.

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Buying, registering, borrowing or lending a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair

Buying

Before buying a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair (new or second hand), first seek advice from a health professional in relation to your specific health needs.

There are many different models of mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs, each with different features and characteristics, however, there are organisations and retailers in your community that can provide advice on the best type for your individual needs. Also consider the weight of the person, the weight of the mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair and the goods you are carrying.

As a starting point, it is important that you ask yourself the following questions.

Will you be using the mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair for:

• Indoor use only?• Outdoor use only?• Indoor and outdoor use?• Long or short distances?• What surfaces will you be travelling on? ie rocks, uneven surfaces

or hills• How will your physical abilities be met?

Do not assume that because you have used a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair before, that you can use any mobility device. It is important to be familiar with any mobility scooter and motorised wheelchair and the location of its controls.

If there was an emergency, could you find the brakes quickly without having to think about it? A split second delay or a simple mistake with the controls could result in a crash or injury to you and other people.

Before buying a mobility scooter

or motorised wheelchair, first

seek advice from a health professional

in relation to your specific health

needs.

A mobility scooter or motorised

wheelchair that is used outside

the home must be registered.

Registering

In Queensland, a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair that is used outside of the home (for example on footpaths and to cross roads) must be registered with the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Registration is provided free of charge and includes compulsory third party (CTP) insurance which may protect the user against compensation claims for personal injury following a crash.

When registering your mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair you must declare that it will be used solely by the registered operator. To register a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair, you (or your representative) will need to:

• Visit a Department of Transport and Main Roads Customer Service Centre

• Complete the required forms• Provide a certificate, statement or letter from

either a medical practitioner or a registered occupational therapist, or a registered physiotherapist.

Registration does not mean the device can be used on the road in the same way as a car.

Further information about registration can be found on the Department of Transport and Main Roads website www.tmr.qld.gov.au or by visiting a Department of Transport and Main Roads Customer Service Centre.

For insurance other than CTP, contact an insurance provider.

Borrowing or lending

Borrowing or lending a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair is not recommended as it can be used only by the registered operator/s.

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Stay safe

Before heading off

For details about routine maintenance on mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs such as recharging the battery and tyre pressure, check your owner’s manual.

Your manual should also list details about the maximum gradient you can travel on. Never ride your machine on an incline greater than the manual’s rating.

You can make your journey safer and more enjoyable by:

• Making sure the batteries are fully charged – a flat battery can make it difficult to climb a ramp or may leave you stranded. Also be aware of the time a fully charged battery will last or the distance you can travel

• Regularly checking your tyre pressure – underinflated tyres can affect your stability

• Being aware any medication you are taking may affect your judgement or operating ability

• Ensuring that you are not under the influence of alcohol prior to operating your mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair

• Making sure the seat is at the right level and the seat assembly is locked before moving

• Using a hat and sunscreen at all times if you don’t have a shade cover

• Ensuring any rain cover you may be using doesn’t affect your vision• Never allowing the controls of your machine to become wet• Taking a mobile phone in case of an emergency• If you don’t have rear vision mirrors, think about installing them –

this is especially important if you have a limited range of movement in your neck.

Be seen

When you use a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair you are sitting lower than a walking pedestrian. This means you may not be seen as easily by drivers and adult pedestrians on foot. You can make yourself more visible by:

• Wearing bright coloured clothing or a high visibility vest (for example orange or yellow)

• Attaching a fluorescent coloured visibility flag (at least at head height when standing) to your mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair

• Using lights — if you have them. If your mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair doesn’t have lights — think about fitting them

• Fitting reflectors or special fluorescent or reflective tape to the front, back, sides and wheels. Many of these items are available at local bicycle shops or your mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair providers

• Taking extra care in poor light. The risk of accidents increase greatly in poor lighting, so avoid travelling at dusk, in bad weather and at night.

Safe stopping• Always turn the key to the ‘off’ position or hit the

‘off’ button when you are getting on or off your mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair

• Don’t stop on an incline even to rest• Be mindful where you stop or park. Never block

a building entrance, gateway or driveway.

Before crossing any road, always stop at

the kerb, look and listen for traffic.

Be mindful where you stop or park.

Never block a building entrance,

gateway or driveway.

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Safe travelling

It’s really important to take precautions wherever you can to prevent crashes and injury. The following tips will assist with safe travelling practices:

• You will find travelling is more enjoyable if you avoid busy roads and use quieter streets. Before crossing any road, always stop at the kerb, look and listen for traffic

• If you must use the road, keep as close to the right hand side kerb as you can so you are directly facing the traffic — return to the footpath as soon as possible

• Watch out for cars, bicycles and people going in and out of driveways• Avoid hills — if this isn’t possible, slow down and use caution• Be careful when using ramps, kerbs and platforms — they may not

withstand the combined weight of you and the mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair

• Only cross a level crossing if there are suitable pedestrian facilities available

• Adjust your speed to suit how you are travelling. For example, slow down in places with lots of people — shopping centres, clubs, pubs and busy thoroughfares

• Always check the courtesy conditions of using mobility scooters prior to entry at any venue• Consider the weather conditions. Is it slippery or wet? Hot or cold?• Consider what you would do in the event of a breakdown. Some retailers offer a ‘recovery’ service when you buy a mobility device from them.

Travelling on roads and footpaths

Courtesy and etiquette

Mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs move quietly on footpaths and often catch other pedestrians unaware; in particular those with visual and hearing impairments.

Always ensure you are courteous to other pedestrians and road users by:

• Not travelling two abreast either on a footpath or roadway• Never moving suddenly into the path of a vehicle as this may create

a hazard• Using your horn only when necessary• Never assuming others will just ‘get out of your way’ — this is

discourteous and at times dangerous• Be mindful of other footpath or road users.

For safety

Remember you are travelling at a low speed so follow the same rules you would as a walking pedestrian.

• Mobility scooter and motorised wheelchair users are most at risk of an accident when using the road

• Whenever possible travel on the left side of the footpath

• Travel at a speed which will enable you to stop quickly if you need to.

Never assume others will ‘get out of your way’ — this is discourteous and at times dangerous.

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• When turning always use your indicators or hand signals

• Do not suddenly change direction. — Check first what is going on around and behind you

• Be careful if using audio headphones — they may make good company but they restrict hearing which may cause an accident

• Be aware your irregular size often makes you less visible• Choose a safe place to cross — one which gives you a clear view

of approaching traffic. Never cross near curves or hills where you cannot see oncoming vehicles

• Don’t assume cars will stop for you, particularly at intersections or crossings that are not controlled by traffic lights

• Take the shortest safe route to cross the road • Use a pedestrian crossing if there is one nearby• Always use the ‘STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and THINK’ approach:

STOP as close to the edge of the kerb as you can

LOOK for traffic in ALL directions

LISTEN for traffic you may not be able to see

THINK if you have enough time to cross safely. You will need to carefully judge the speed and

distance of approaching vehicles.

If you’re not sure that you can cross safely… WAIT.

Take the shortest safe route to cross

the road.

If you’re not sure that you can cross

safely … WAIT.

Crossing railway lines

People who use mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs need to be aware of the risks of crossing railway tracks.

Only cross railway lines at marked crossings.

Always use the ‘STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and THINK’ approach.

• STOP• LOOK for flashing lights and whether gates or barriers are closing• LISTEN for warning bells ringing• THINK — even if there are no flashing lights or

warning sounds, check both directions for trains. If a train has just passed, look and listen again before moving as another train may be approaching.

When you are absolutely sure the tracks are clear:

• Proceed slowly and in a straight line• Be aware of uneven, broken surfaces as any

jolting may cause you to lose control• Never do a u-turn as the wheels may become

lodged in the gaps between the rail lines and the bitumen — it is safer to continue to travel ahead even if the bells suddenly start ringing

• If your wheels do become trapped, immediately remove yourself from the mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair if you can or seek urgent assistance.

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Public transport

Thinking of travelling by public transport? It is always a good idea to plan ahead by at least 24 hours and contact the relevant operator to ensure they can cater to your requirements, for example TransLink — 13 12 30.

For more information on public transport, refer to the Translink website www.translink.com.au

Taxis

Restraints and anchoring points are compulsory in taxis. Mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs must have appropriate anchorage points. The minimum standard for wheelchair restraint assemblies in wheelchair accessible taxis in Queensland is a four-point restraint system.

Wheelchair accessible taxis are available. See the Yellow Pages for taxi company numbers.

Trains and buses

Restraining and anchoring points are not compulsory in trains, ferries and buses, so you may not be able to tie down your mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair while on board these modes of transport. It is important to ensure your mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair has effective braking that you can use while the transport is in motion.

If travelling by train, inform the conductor so a portable ramp can be provided to assist you to board and alight the train. You can get assistance from the driver by positioning yourself at specific markers on the platform. If you need attendant care, you will need to bring a companion.

Always get to the station well before the train is due to arrive.

If travelling by bus, low-floor buses are available across the Moreton Bay Region, though not all bus companies accommodate wheelchairs and scooters so always enquire about services available.

Travelling with companions

People with a permanent disability who need someone to help them travel on public transport may qualify and register for a Companion Card. It is recognised for travel on public trains, buses and ferries in Queensland. You pay for your ticket and the card entitles your companion (carer) to travel for free on trains, buses and ferries.

For more details about the Companion Card call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

Ensure your mobility scooter

or motorised wheelchair has

effective braking you can use while the transport is in

motion.

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It is important that you regularly

monitor your ability to travel safely in

the community.

Travel at a speed which will allow you

to stop quickly if you need to.

Self-assessment checklist

Although you have previously been assessed for your ability to use a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair by your health professional, it is important you regularly monitor your ability to travel safely in the community.

The self-assessment checklist below provides a guide to ensure you are safely using your mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair.

Co-ordination and strength 9 Can I easily operate the controls? For example,

turn the key, adjust the dials, use the accelerator and brake.

9 Can I steer and turn even in tight corners? 9 Can I turn my head to look to the side or behind if

reversing?

Physical balance and endurance 9 Can I maintain balance when travelling across

uneven or rough terrain? 9 Can I adjust my body position when travelling up

or down inclines such as ramps and driveways? 9 Can I handle different weather conditions if travelling outdoors or

long distances? 9 Can I be seated for extended periods?

Vision 9 Can I notice and move around obstacles in all fields of vision? 9 Can I notice moving objects and avoid collisions? 9 Can I notice objects in the periphery of my vision? For example,

motor vehicles or pedestrians before they are right on top of me.

Perception 9 Can I judge distances correctly? For example, how close an obstacle is. 9 Can I judge the speed of my own mobility scooter or motorised

wheelchair and other vehicles and pedestrians?

Thought process and memory 9 Can I remember safety procedures? 9 Can I concentrate for lengthy periods? 9 Can I react quickly if I need to stop or turn?

Feelings and judgement 9 Can I stay calm in difficult situations? 9 Can I be patient with other people? 9 Can I make good judgements in protecting

my own safety and the safety of others?

Medication 9 Am I regularly taking medication that may interfere with using my

mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair safely?

If you require adaptions or modifications to your mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair to compensate for any changes in your circumstances seek assistance from health professionals or your retailer to optimise your independence and safety in the community.

And finally …• Regularly monitor your driving skills with the

self-assessment checklist • Use a fluorescent flag and wear bright clothes to

make yourself more visible• Always try to use the safest and quickest route

for your journey• Travel at a speed which will allow you to stop

quickly if you need to• Cross roads by the shortest, most direct and

safest route and before crossing, ‘STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and THINK!’

• Always regulate your speed to that of other pedestrians

• Don’t assume cars will stop for you!

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Useful contacts

Queensland Police Service

Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .000Policelink (for non-urgent incidents) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131 444Crime Prevention Unit – Redcliffe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 3283 0590Crime Prevention Unit – Caboolture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 5495 0428

Moreton Bay Regional Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 3205 0555

Department of Transport and Main Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 23 80

Department of Communities

General enquiries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 QGOV (13 74 68)Disability and Community Care Services . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800 177 120

DV Connect (24 hour Domestic Violence help) . . . . . . . . . 1800 811 811

Elder Abuse Help Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1300 651 192

Home and Community Care (HACC)

Enquiries and referrals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800 052 222

Home Assist Secure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1300 880 882

Lifeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 11 14

National Seniors Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1300 765 050

Office of Fair Trading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 QGOV (13 74 68) TTY 13 36 77

Office of the Adult Guardian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1300 653 187

Older People Speak Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 3219 2572

Public Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1300 360 044

Queensland Aged and Disability Advocacy Inc . . . . . . 07 3637 6000 (outside Brisbane) 1800 818 338

Translink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 12 30

Emergencies — phone Triple Zero (000)

In an emergency, phone Triple Zero (000) to contact:

• Police Service (for life threatening matters or crimes in progress)• Ambulance Service• Fire Service

When you call Triple Zero (000), you will be connected to an operator who will ask which service you need — police, fire or ambulance. When connected to that service you will be asked by another operator for:

• your street name• your street number or location• what has happened• your name• your phone number• and any other information that will help, such as the type of problem

or how many people are involved.

Non urgent incidents — Policelink 131 444

Policelink 131 444 is available 24 hours, 7 days a week and is the phone number used in Queensland to make general enquiries, and report non-urgent incidents including:

• wilful property damage• stealing offences• break and enters• stolen vehicles• lost property.

On-Line Reporting www.police.qld.gov.au/online

Please note that calls made to Policelink 131 444 are charged at the local call rate with mobile call costs varying dependent on your service provider.

Policelink enhances QPS service delivery by providing an additional method of contact. It does not replace existing operational police services such as community members calling or visiting their local police station.

Policelink Smartphone App www.policelink.qld.gov.au

“Slow and steady wins the race”