Mobile in Moreton The safe way to use mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs in the community of Moreton - Queensland Police Service

Page created by Dana Daniel
 
CONTINUE READING
Mobile
      in
Moreton

        The safe way to use mobility scooters
                  and 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) 2022

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 Coordinator
                                         Information Resource Centre, Queensland
                                         Police Service
                                         GPO Box 1440 Brisbane QLD 4001
                                         PH: 07 3364 3958
                                         FX: 07 3364 3942
                                         EM: copyright@police.qld.gov.au.

                                         The Queensland Police Service web address
                                         is www.police.qld.gov.au.
Foreword
                             District Officer, Moreton Police District,
                             Superintendent Michael Brady

                             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.
Moreton Bay Regional Council,
                            Mayor Allan Sutherland

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

                              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.
Contents

Road rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
    Speed limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
    Pedestrian rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Buying, registering, borrowing or lending a mobility scooter or
motorised wheelchair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
    Buying. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
    Registering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
    Borrowing or lending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Stay safe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
    Before heading off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
    Be seen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
    Safe stopping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
    Safe travelling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Travelling on roads and footpaths. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
    Courtesy and etiquette. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
    For safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
    Crossing railway lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
Public transport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
    Taxis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
    Trains and buses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
    Travelling with companions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
Self-assessment checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
    Co-ordination and strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
    Physical balance and endurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
    Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
    Perception. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
    Thought process and memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
    Feelings and judgement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
    Medication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
    And finally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
Useful contacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Emergencies — phone Triple Zero (000). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Non urgent incidents — Policelink 131 444. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

                                                                 1
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.

                                  2
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              Mobility scooter
  longer than necessary                                     and motorised
• Do not stop on a footpath or road to                   wheelchair  users
  inconvenience, obstruct, hinder or prevent                are classed as
  the free passage of any other pedestrians or          pedestrians under
  vehicles                                              current road rules.
• 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.

                                  3
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.

                                    4
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
                                                           Before buying a
solely by the registered operator. To register a
mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair, you
                                                           mobility scooter
(or your representative) will need to:                         or motorised
                                                           wheelchair, first
• Visit a Department of Transport and Main Roads
                                                        seek advice from a
  Customer Service Centre
• Complete the required forms                          health professional
• Provide a certificate, statement or letter from        in relation to your
  either a medical practitioner or a registered              specific health
  occupational therapist, or a registered                            needs.
  physiotherapist.
                                                        A mobility scooter
Registration does not mean the device can                     or motorised
be used on the road in the same way as a car.             wheelchair that
                                                           is used outside
Further information about registration can be
                                                        the home must be
found on the Department of Transport and Main
Roads website www.tmr.qld.gov.au or by visiting a               registered.
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.

                                     5
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.

                                   6
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             Before crossing any
  lights — think about fitting them
                                                          road, always stop at
• Fitting reflectors or special fluorescent or
                                                            the kerb, look and
  reflective tape to the front, back, sides and
  wheels. Many of these items are available at                listen for traffic.
  local bicycle shops or your mobility scooter or
                                                             Be mindful where
  motorised wheelchair providers
• Taking extra care in poor light. The risk of               you stop or park.
  accidents increase greatly in poor lighting,                    Never block a
  so avoid travelling at dusk, in bad weather               building entrance,
  and at night.                                                     gateway or
                                                                      driveway.
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.

                                    7
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.

                                    8
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                                                   Never assume
                                                        others will ‘get out
Remember you are travelling at a low speed so           of your way’ — this
follow the same rules you would as a walking           is discourteous and
pedestrian.
                                                       at times dangerous.
• 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.

                                   9
• 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.

                                   10
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.
                                                       Take the shortest
When you are absolutely sure the tracks               safe route to cross
are clear:                                                     the road.
• Proceed slowly and in a straight line
• Be aware of uneven, broken surfaces as any           If you’re not sure
  jolting may cause you to lose control               that you can cross
• Never do a u-turn as the wheels may become               safely … WAIT.
  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.

                                   11
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.

                                   12
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                      Ensure your
available.                                                    mobility scooter
                                                                  or motorised
Travelling with companions                                     wheelchair has
                                                             effective braking
People with a permanent disability who need
someone to help them travel on public transport             you can use while
may qualify and register for a Companion Card. It           the transport is in
is recognised for travel on public trains, buses and                   motion.
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).

                                    13
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?

                                    14
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                 It is important
compensate for any changes in your circumstances       that you regularly
seek assistance from health professionals or your     monitor your ability
retailer to optimise your independence and safety       to travel safely in
in the community.
                                                          the community.
And finally …                                            Travel at a speed
• Regularly monitor your driving skills with the      which will allow you
  self-assessment checklist                              to stop quickly if
• Use a fluorescent flag and wear bright clothes              you need to.
  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!

                                    15
Useful contacts
Queensland Police Service
    Emergency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 000
    Policelink (for non-urgent incidents). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 444
    Crime Prevention Unit – Redcliffe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 3283 0590
    Crime 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

                                                    16
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/reporting
Policelink . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 444
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.

                                               17
“Slow and steady wins the race”
You can also read