Motorists across the Moreton Bay Region are being reminded by Moreton District Police and HQPlantations that road rules still apply in forests.
It comes at the end of Road Safety Week with police reporting that some motorists are ignoring locked gates and important signs in forests.
“All road rules apply on the beach and in the forestry,” says Officer-in-Charge of Landsborough Road Policing Unit Senior Sergeant Mal Lilley.
“In fact, extra care needs to be taken in these unfamiliar environments that can present unexpected situations or challenges.
“Police conduct regular patrols of both. Drive to the conditions and road rules.”
The call is backed by HQPlantations’ Group Manager Stewardship David West.
“Although popular destinations for recreation, plantation forests are busy working forests,” Mr West says.
“Safety is always our number one priority and we are proud to support Road Safety Week.
“For their own safety and the safety of our people and others, drivers and riders on plantation roads must comply with all forest operations signage, drive to the conditions, stay on formed roads and be alert for heavy vehicles and other recreation users.”
To help, Queensland Police and HQPlantations have a list of tips, using the letters of Plantation Driving to start each one.
Protect roads and trails after heavy rainfall
Licence required by anyone operating a motor vehicle
Animals are active in plantation areas
No off-road driving
Take home everything you bring
Always wear safety equipment (helmet)
Take care, drive to road conditions
Illegal to pass road closed signs
Observe forestry signs
No lighting fires
Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Road rules apply in all areas
Inform and report suspicious activity
Vehicles must be registered and roadworthy
Insurance is essential
Night driving is not advisable
Give way, be courteous
Mr West also encourages people to check if the plantation they wish to visit is open before leaving home. This can be done by visiting hqplantations.com.au/closures
In Road Safety Week the Moreton Police District Superintendent John Hallam urging motorists to “think hard” about their driving following 11 fatalities on our roads in July and August – 50 per cent higher than the previous 12 months.
Central to the campaign has been awareness around the Fatal Five:
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