Queensland Police have issued a response after images surfaced showing England captain Ben Stokes and several teammates apparently breaching Brisbane’s road safety laws while riding e-scooters without helmets.
Photos published in Australian media show Stokes riding a Lime e-scooter without a helmet, alongside teammate Mark Wood, whose own images raised further concern as he appeared to be riding with a leg brace and compression bandage. The images have sparked headlines in the UK, with reports suggesting the players had risked falling foul of Australia’s strict policing of mobility devices.
Police Confirm Engagement With England Players
In a statement to news.com.au, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) confirmed they were aware of the images and had since “engaged with those persons to inform and educate them” about compliance rules relating to e-scooters and other personal mobility devices.
The force reiterated its focus on promoting safe behaviour and enforcing regulations when necessary to reduce risks associated with unsafe rides. Under Queensland law, helmets are mandatory for e-scooters, e-bikes, and similar devices, with fines of up to A$166 for non-compliance.
Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith was also photographed appearing to ride without a helmet despite his Lime scooter having one attached.
Injury Concerns Add to England’s Turbulent Build-Up
The incident adds to a growing list of off-field distractions for England ahead of the second Test at the Gabba. Fast bowler Mark Wood, seen riding the mobility scooter with a knee brace, is expected to miss the match after discomfort in his left knee — the same one he had surgery on earlier this year.
Wood bowled just 11 overs in the first Test in Perth and looked far from match-ready, raising further selection headaches for England.
Not the First Time England Has Fallen Foul of Aussie Road Rules
This isn’t the first Ashes tour where England players have been penalised for traffic violations. During the 2010–11 series, Kevin Pietersen was fined for speeding in a Lamborghini near Melbourne.
Pressure Mounts on Stokes and England’s Preparation
As England continue to face criticism for skipping their warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra — a key opportunity to prepare for the pink-ball Test — former players including Sir Geoffrey Boycott and Sir Ian Botham have slammed the team’s preparation and tactical rigidity.
Stokes has rejected claims that the team is “arrogant”, acknowledging the poor performance in Perth but insisting the criticism has gone too far.
England have not won a Test in Australia since 2010–11, and with Australia unbeaten at the Gabba since 1986, the pressure on Stokes’ side is rapidly intensifying.
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