From today’s Caulfield Leader -

Path law baffles traders

Paul Riordan and Holly O’Connell

22Jan08

FURIOUS Glen Eira traders are reeling from the impact of council’s new footpath regulations, with claims previously bustling shopping strips now resemble deserted streets.

Glen Huntly Village Traders’ Association president Felix Polevoy said many traders had decided not to renew permits as the new regulations were a “step backwards'’.
“Not only does it look bad, it will effect local businesses adversely . . . it looks like a desert,'’ Mr Polevoy said
“There’s very little we can do about it now.
“Council is really hell-bent on not helping this area at all.'’
The new regulations came in to force on January 1, stipulating that tables and chairs must not back on to the footpath or kerb; goods and displays cannot exceed 1.5m in height and 75cm in width.
Displays   must now be placed at least 60cm from the kerb.
Goods and street furniture must also have a  colour that contrasts with  the background, to assist the vision impaired.Stanley’s Boys and Menswear owner Tania Moss said moving the position of outside racks and tables weakened security.
“There is so much theft that goes on in Centre Rd,'’ Ms Moss said. “I’m not happy about the security side of it, when people have their back towards you.'’
Ms Moss said she expected to spend $10,000 on new outside modules and moving security cameras to cope with the regulations.

Glen Eira Council civic compliance manager John Bordignon  said the regulations would enable people of all abilities to navigate the city’s footpaths.
“The new layout is safer, particularly in an ageing community,'’ Mr Bordignon said.
“The layout should also make it easier to move through our shopping strips, which will make them more attractive to shoppers.
“The overwhelming majority of shops have got behind the new layouts, the few that have not will be encouraged to change  over soon.'’

Commentary: As always this clowncil goes overboard in the most draconian manner. Instead of a 1 metre clearway as many other councils have, good old Glen Eira has 1.5 metres. The question is WHY? Is it really ’safer’ for those with disabilities? If other councils don’t insist on 1.5m, then are they derelict in their duties? I’d also like to make a comparison over costs. How much do other councils charge for the placement of tables and chairs on footpaths? How much do they charge for advertising signs, hoardings, etc. in comparison to our mob? Isn’t the role of any council to work in cooperation with its traders; to ensure that the local shopping centres are vibrant, economically viable, and ‘progressive’? Instead Glen Eira consistently ignores traders’ opinions and instead creates as many obstacles as possible.