Council is seeking feedback on a draft policy and guidelines allowing businesses to trade on the footpaths outside their premises, including outdoor dining, sale of goods and portable signs such as A-frame signage.
The draft policy and guidelines outlines where trading by business can occur on the footpath while keeping in mind safety requirements for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers parked vehicles and customers.
Recently, Council staff met with members of Glenorchy Council’s Access and Inclusion Reference Group on a street in Moonah to discuss how the new policy may impact on people with disabilities.
Community Development Officer – Access and Inclusion, Elisa Ryan, welcomed the consultation taking place in real time.
“ It was great to take policy off paper and to the streets. Access members were shown exactly how the trading zone would work and give feedback from their vast lived experience. Collaborating on this draft policy allows everyone’s perspective to be heard.” She said.
Under the Disabilities Discrimination Act, the building line must be kept clear. For example people with vision impairment may use the building line as a guide while moving along footpaths. The policy outlines the need for the trading zone to be away from the building line to keep it clear for pedestrians and people with disabilities. Equally the zone must be at least 600mm away from the kerb to allow for vehicle doors and people exiting onto the footpath.
Public consultation on the draft Footpath Trading Policy closes on 2nd May 2022. To have your say please visit the engagement page https://letstalk.gcc.tas.gov.au/footpath-trading-and-guidelines or contact Council for a hard copy on 03 6216 6800.