MAD MAX NEW ZEALAND IS LAWLESS

Once upon a time, a family could go to Auckland town, mum dad grandparents and the little toddlers and stroll safely along Queen Street -there was even a white line separating up and down foot traffic. That ambience that flavour that warmth is neplaced now by a strained watchful tension because e-scooters and pushbikes abound and some with two riders standingin smiling regal entitlement all with different ideas on a safe speed ,because some need to speed to eke out a bargain ride by speeding. This is all so ironic since there was once a $200 fine for pushbikes riding on the footpaths. And two police would regularly patrol up and down. You first look after the young the old or infirm to create a civilised society? In last Friday's New Zealand Herald, Alex Robertson opined that Queen Street now looks “regal“ and Auckland Council worker Jenny Larkng is pictured scooting down towards the camera. There is no white line, we hope she has seen the folk ahead of her.. I would much rather be facing a human, not so regal ,on foot slower family then a hard scooter machine. But Jenny looks regal I suppose. But the peo ple begging or sleeping on the seats in our city not so much. We need to resume policing that restored that unspoken pact that protected the family in Queen Street. The public seem unfazed uncomplaining but a couple of policemen would soon complain about the undercurrent of lawlessness sparked by e-scooters which may even be igniting ram raid crimes. New Zealand's e-scooter regulations have been described as creating a "lawless" or "Mad Max" environment due to high speeds on footpaths, lack of helmet requirements, and minimal age restrictions. The NZTA classifies these devices as low-risk, allowing them on footpaths and roads, leading to public debate on safety. YouTube YouTube +2 Regulations: E-scooters can be used on footpaths, shared paths, and roads, with helmets recommended but not legally required. Safety Concerns: Scooters can travel up to 27 km/h, with pedestrians reporting safety concerns and nuisance behavior on footpaths. "Mad Max" Context: The relaxed regulations, which also apply to e-bikes that can reach high speeds, have been described as a "Mad Max" scenario in media reports discussing the need for stricter safety measures. Trial and Growth: The introduction of shared e-scooters (e.g., Lime) has prompted councils to review safety policies, though they are favored for reducing traffic and emissions.