Public safety the overall aim of foot patrolsNew focus of patrols for commercial areas By Bass Coast Shire Council - 1st April 2002 - Back to News Public safety will be the focus of patrols of commercial areas within the Shire by local laws officers and local police officers over the coming weeks.
Bass Coast Shire Council’s local laws officers are teaming up with local police officers to conduct foot patrols of the Shire’s business districts.
"One of Council’s on-going concerns is people riding skateboards on the footpath," said Cr John Gains, Mayor of Bass Coast Shire Council. "This poses tremendous danger to all pedestrians but especially those older people who can’t move out of the way quickly."
The use of toy vehicles, such as skateboards, scooters, roller blades and roller skates, is prohibited in the commercial areas of the Shire. These areas have signs indicating that toy vehicles are not be used.
"Skateboarding is a fantastic activity for young people. So Council has created 4 areas where young people can skateboard for their own safety and the safety of others", said Cr Gains. " Skateboarding on public footpaths, especially in the CBD areas poses considerable danger to pedestrians, so we ask people to make use of the skate board facilities in the Shire at Wonthaggi, Inverloch, Cowes and Newhaven".
Sergeant Denis Stanes from the Bass Coast Traffic Management Unit said that local police were concerned with the injuries that could occur if people used toy vehicles in commercial areas.
"They really do pose a great risk to public safety and we urge people to use local skate boarding facilities," said Inspector Brian Curley. "We also ask parents to educate their children about where it is appropriate to use toy vehicles".
People who use toy vehicles in areas they are prohibited risk a $100 on-the-spot fine.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippslander.com

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