Segway police on Qld govt radar THE sight of a security guard on a Segway provided endless humour in the cult comedy Mall Cop but it could become a daily scene in Queensland. Police Commissioner Ian Stewart has asked the government to purchase and trial the machines for officers. Mr Stewart pointed out the machines would be perfect to patrol the Brisbane and Ipswich malls and the Cairns and Townsville esplanades. He wants the rules bent to allow police to use the two-wheeled, self-balancing vehicles on roads in exceptional circumstances. Officers might even be permitted to travel faster than the 12km/h limit, which is slower than a cyclist, skateboarder or roller-skater. Queenslanders will be able to use Segways on bike paths and walkways for the first time from Thursday. Queensland is the first Australian state to approve the vehicles which are used in many European countries and the majority of American states. Transport Minister Scott Emerson defended his approval amid claims he ignored a string of safety warnings. Police, the National Transport Commission and transport department officials were concerned Segways were too wide for footpaths, had poor manoeuvrability in wet weather, had wide turning circles and raised insurance issues. Mr Emerson said he took the advice on board and imposed safety measures that are tougher than in other parts of the world. "We are not a nanny state," he said. I don't see why Queensland should be behind all those other parts of the world. Just because no one else in Australia does it, doesn't mean that we can't do it. Safety measures include bans on people under 12 using them, a speed limit of 12km/h, helmets, bells and banning mobile phones and drink-driving. Opposition transport spokeswoman Jackie Trad called on the government to revoke its approval and listen to the expert advice. "There has been no meaningful consultation on this issue which goes to the heart of public safety," she said.