Kevin Lia says the council’s new footpath trading code will make it easier for him to walk up and down Pakenham’s Main Street. 33415
CARDINIA’S new footpath trading code is essential to allow a safe path of travel for disabled persons and mums with prams, says council’s local laws manager Alan Giachin.
Mr Giachin said the new guidelines shouldn’t affect traders unless the number of items on display – such as tables, chairs and A-frame signs – exceeds the ability to provide a free passage for pedestrians.
Traders in Pakenham’s Main Street have mixed feelings about the code. While some say pedestrian safety is paramount, others say the code will adversely affect their trade as they will have to remove trestles and tables outside their shops.
Under the new guidelines, traders can no longer place items up against the wall of their shops – instead they must allow a 1.5 metre clearway.
“This has come about through ongoing complaints of goods affecting the safe travel of pedestrians, not just disabled persons but also people with shopping trolleys and children, motorised carts, and prams,” Mr Giachin said.
Pakenham resident Kevin Lia welcomed the new footpath code but was concerned about the effect it might have on traders.
Mr Lia, who for the last two months been using a walking frame kindly donated by St Vincent de Paul, said the eastern end of Main Street was often hard to negate.
“It will definitely make it easier but it will be hard on the shopkeepers,” he said.
Mr Lia said the most frustrating thing was seeing drivers without disabled parking permits parking in disabled spaces.
In Cardinia, more than 4000 people have disabled parking permits, and there are others with disabilities who don’t qualify for one.
“Obviously with this high number of disabled persons it is important that a safe passage of travel is provided at all times for everyone,” Mr Giachin said.
