CoPP EXPLAINS PARKING BANS - WE REPLY

FIONA BLAIR
CITY OF PORT PHILLIP

Dear Ms Blair.

Our responses are in your text.

Damien Codognotto OAM
Independent Riders Group

On 15/02/2016 2:37 PM, Fiona Blair wrote:

Dear Damien

Thank you for your enquiry. Councillor Thomann has read your email and
requested I respond on behalf of council.

The City of Port Phillip and Victoria Police have received many
complaints in recent times regarding the large number of motorcycles
regularly parking on footways in the vicinity of O’Donnell Gardens,
specifically the entrance to Luna Park and the footpath area adjacent to
The Vineyard.

DC - We know of the complaint about motorcycles & scooters parking on
the LUNA PARK forecourt. We have spoken with LUNA PARK's Manager
Matthew Butta and asked the City of Port Phillip for a meeting so
stakeholders and council can find a real solution to this problem. No
response from CoPP on this.

We have been given no information on the "many complaints in recent
times regarding the large number of motorcycles regularly parking on
footways". Please inform us the number of complaints you define as
"many". Were they written or verbal? What were the actual complaints?
There is no privacy issue here because we do not want personal details
of the complainants, just the facts of the complaints. How many? What
date and time. What location? When dealing with these issues the City
of Melbourne Motorcycles Committee asks all these questions and
consults with stakeholders so we are not asking anything unreasonable
of the City of Port Phillip.

In addition to these complaints, Council has also been contacted with
concerns relating to excessive noise from motorcycles disturbing the general
amenity of the area. These complaints have been referred to Victoria Police and
the EPA.

DC - We do not see how noise complaints effect parking unless
CoPP/police use lack of parking to make it more difficult for all
riders to visit St Kilda. Excessive noise can and should be controlled
by police and the EPA, that's their job.

So the record is straight, audible conspicuity is a fact. Some engine
sound from a motorbike or scooter in traffic makes car drivers aware
of the presence of a rider nearby. That's primary safety. Having said
that, extremely loud exhaust pipes and engines revved by show offs
gives all riders a bad name just as soccer hooligans are bad for that
sport. The appropriate authorities have the tools to deal with
excessive noise. In St Kilda it seems, they don't.

The current motorcycle parking restrictions were implemented recently .....

DC - Without consultation with stakeholders, not the riders nor the
businesses. Given the amount of contact the IRG has had with CoPP in
the last 3 years it almost seems this move was kept quiet.

to ensure our footpaths remain accessible for pedestrians and not impeded
by motorcyclists riding and parking on designated pedestrian zones.

DC - What designated pedestrian zones? My advice is that state law
says in effect that riders may park their bikes on footpaths provided
they do not block car doors from opening, impede pedestrian traffic or
hinder access to a business. It is common sense and it has worked for
the good of all for 30 years (1986/87) in Victoria. Motorcycle &
scooter riders are not allowed to ride on footpaths. If that is a
problem, which we doubt, then again lack of enforcement of existing
laws is to blame and this can be remedied.

Council has a responsibility to ensure this highly concentrated pedestrian
area is a safe place for all.

DC - Council has a responsibility to ensure this highly concentrated
pedestrian area is a safe place for all, including visiting motorcycle
& scooter riders, bicyclists (who also park on footpaths in the area)
and business operators and their staff.

The No Standing signage has been introduced on a trial basis and will be
conducted for a period of 6 months. The effectiveness of the signage
will be evaluated at the end of this term.

DC - First we were told the signs were temporary while the St Kilda
Festival was on. That was not correct. Then we were told they were
permanent. That was not correct. Now we are told the ban is for a six
month trial begun with no consultation or prior notice. How will the
effectiveness of the signage be evaluated? Bikes are banned for 6
months so no one parks there then CoPP/police say well the signs
worked so they stay. That is not a trial. Who will evaluate this so
called trial?

Council believes this recent No Standing control relates to a very small
and concentrated area.

DC - Once a council flouts the intent of the Victorian motorcycle &
scooter footpath parking law, with no consultation or input from
stakeholders, it will spread.

I trust this clarifies Council’s position and we look forward to your
support in maintaining St Kilda as a safe place for all.

DC - Your email makes the council's position very clear indeed.

Regards

Fiona
City of Port Phillip