Footpath code still a worry

SOME traders still have concerns about a proposed footpath trading code, which they have less than three weeks to comply with.
The Cardinia Shire Council is introducing the policy in a bid to improve pedestrian safety and access and to ensure compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992.
At last Wednesday’s Pakenham’s Business Group meeting, Pakenham Bookshop owner Greg Marshall labelled the code a “bloody disaster”, saying its implementation would inconvenience pedestrians.
Under the new guidelines, traders won’t be able to place items such as tables and trestles against the wall of their shops – they have to provide a 1.5-metre clearway from their building lines and 0.6 metres from the kerb to ensure a continuous path of travel for pedestrians.
But Mr Marshall said moving his stock away from his shop front would cause more problems for pedestrians and ruin his stock.
“Do I want to be out in the rain and have my product destroyed?” he said.
Pakenham resident Kevin Lia, who uses a walking frame, said the biggest problem faced by pedestrians was people in motorised scooters parking next to tables in the Main Street. Mr Lia said many of the shops had steps and that some disabled people had no choice but to wait outside.
Cardinia Shire chief executive Garry McQuillan said the council would meet with some traders to discuss their concerns.
A report on the footpath trading code states that the council has a legal obligation to provide a safe environment for all people to move through the shire. Traders have until 31 August to comply.