Are skaters ruining your neighbourhood?

Jul 09 11:47am

- Melbourne City Council is considering introducing $100 fines for skateboarders caught riding outside public buildings.

Buildings targeted by the fines would include areas like the State Library forecourt, Town Hall steps, Treasury buildings and Lincoln Square in Carlton .

The new regulations would designate an area where the riding of toy vehicles “is reasonable likely to cause physical damage to infrastructure” or where it’s “reasonably likely to interfere with the use and enjoyment of the locality”.

Melbourne City Council says the regulations would be used to “prevent and suppress nuisances”.

Is this also needed in your area? Tell us below…

Outside Brekky Central, skaters practice their kick-flips daily, damaging street furniture and the granite pavement.

Skaters claim they have no where else to go and the streetscape provides the best variety of challenges for their sport.

More info

Skate or die, say Sunrise viewers

45 Comments Report Abuse

11. jms_blaze - Jul 09 07:35am

I'm a 35 year old skater and teacher. I find the skateboard is the best mode of transport as you can curl it under your arm and catch a train etc with none of the hassles of bike.

Why ban all skateboards to solve small issues? I would like to know how many older people actually get hit by skaters.

12. ming_ren - Jul 09 07:38am

legislation will not solve the problems when enforcement is lacking. An unlicensed driver driving alone in NSW knocked dead an elderly man just got away with 2 years good behaviour bond. What good is legislation for the widow and family?

13. leekemp6 - Jul 09 07:43am

over the 'umbrella effect' when it comes to disipline because of a few idiots!! I lost out on heaps growing up because of that. I say punish the naughty and leave the privileges for the ones who deserve. I'm sure good kids are sick of missing out!!

14. kayc@y7mail.com - Jul 09 07:43am

... our local area has a lot of bike paths to promote biking etc which have a line down the middle & signs to use the same as the road ie: keep left unless overtaking!. Why can we not apply this to all footpaths? Maybe a skate ramp etc at all local parks will help keep the kids off busy steps etc

15. paultails_124 - Jul 09 08:06am

In a society where we are battling weight and children and adults not getting enough excersise, why would we stamp out another form of excersise? I wonder how many people have been hit and have been hospitalised by a skateboarder vs the amount of people have heart disease or are unfit and unhealthy

16. andyireland@rocketmail.com - Jul 09 08:10am

I think people should be asking who is this "pedestrian Council" how many members does it have? Who does it represent? Motoring and Motorcycle bodies have been questioning this for ages. Can you imagine pedestrians who are essentially strangers on a street all massing to a meeting with Harold? NO.

17. green_day_mantra - Jul 09 08:13am

First thing first.. Leave the skaters alone. It's their form of self expression. Secondly.. where would they go? Skateparks are good, but there are so many different personalities that stand on those boards. The "emos" and "hxc" kids aren't the greatest of mates at times.. do we want "gang wars"?

18. jodieharvey@ymail.com - Jul 09 08:29am

I would like to know if there is a difference in the numbers of people knocked down by skateboarders as opposed to people hit by motorised wheelchairs? Kids need to have something they can do that is active and enjoyable.

19. michael_kickflip - Jul 09 08:30am

This has gone way to far. Where kids so you seroiusly want to charge a 13 year old kid with a $100 fine for riding a piece of ply wood with wheels? what are you skateboard nazi's or something?

20. nanansw - Jul 09 08:32am

Hi I think in our eara is has inproved with local councils putting in skate parks they dont worry to many people I dont think anymore but the grannys on those motorized things they drive, some of them are very rude and will run you down if you dont move quickly

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