Bass Coast Local News:
New Footpath Trading Code For Bass Coast

New footpath trading code regulate all footpath trading to ensure compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act.

By Bass Coast Shire - 3rd July 2001 - Back to News

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Bass Coast Shire Council last week adopted a new footpath trading code that will see all footpath trading in the Shire regulated to ensure compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act. The Code also brings the Shire’s shopping precincts into line with the very strong expectations of the general public for attractive, safe and orderly street displays and furniture

The new Footpath Trading Code covers all aspects of footpath trading, including outdoor eating areas, merchandise racks and advertising signs. While there is a standard Code for the Shire, there are also separate aspects of the Code that take into account the environment of different shopping precincts within Bass Coast Shire.

“While developing the new Code, Council consulted with stakeholders through workshops, a street survey in all the Shire’s shopping areas and one-to-one discussions with traders and the public,” said Cr. Miranda Sage, Mayor of Bass Coast Shire Council.

Cr. Sage said the aim of the new Code reflects the public’s view that their shopping experience should be a positive one.

”In a survey conducted in local shopping areas, 75% of shoppers said that they like displays and cafe’s on footpaths as it adds to the life and vibrancy of the streets,” she said. “But 85% said that the displays and furniture must be uncluttered and out of shoppers way so that people can get into shops and walk safely along the path.”

Some of the regulations in the new Code include:

• A clearway known as a “pedestrian zone” where no merchandise racks, furniture or signage may be placed. The pedestrian zone varies in width from precinct to precinct and is measured from the building line.

Cowes - 2.5m
Wonthaggi - 2.1m
Inverloch - 2.2m
San Remo - 2.0m
Grantville - 2.0m

• Outdoor furniture and equipment should be safe, of solid construction and able to withstand windy conditions. All outdoor furniture and equipment should be removable to enable effective footpath cleaning.
• Maximum height for goods display racks is 1.5 metres. Wheels or legs must not protrude past the stock displayed on the rack. All goods display racks must have brakes on the wheels. Sandbags, bricks or wooden chocks are not permitted.
• Only one advertising “A” frame board is permitted on the footpath per business. “A” frame boards must be no larger than 1.2 metres in height and 75 cm in width. “A” frame signs are not permitted on a street corner, they are only to be placed on the kerbside in front of the premises and 70cm from the kerb.

“Council has a legal obligation to provide a safe environment for all people in our Shire,” explained Cr. Sage. “Part of this obligation is to ensure that people can move through shopping areas safely and unhindered by merchandise, signage and outdoor furniture.”

Cr. Sage said that benefits for traders will include an increase in passing trade due to unimpeded access for customers to stores.

“While Council understands it is important to make the most of outdoor trading opportunities, pedestrian safety is our first priority,” she said. “Traders extending their commercial activities beyond their premises onto the public footpath do so as a privilege in consultation with the community.”

Traders in the Shire who use footpaths for trading require permits. Enforcement of the new Goods on Footpath Code of Practice will start from 1 August. All permits due for renewal before 1 August 2001 will be automatically extended under the existing code and provisions.

“Our local laws officers have been visiting traders and talking about how the new code of practice will apply to them for many months now and will continue be available to help traders implement the new Code,” said Cr. Sage.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: basscoastshire@gippslander.com

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