Skate off: Longboard skaters may soon be stopped from riding on Yarra Ranges roads. Picture: Gary LaPersonne
HIGH-speed longboard skating on suburban Upwey roads may soon be stopped in some areas, with Yarra Ranges Council promising to take action.
Council officers will apply white dividing lines on Hughes Street, Upwey, because a resident of the street complained that up to 70 skaters congregated on the road in the evening and at weekends.
It is illegal to skate on roads with a painted dividing white line or where the speed limit is above 50 km/h.
Sergeant Simon Covelly, of the Knox police traffic unit, confirmed the existence of the law. "If there's a dividing line in the road they can't skate," he said.
Concerned residents and the council hope that by changing the road rules in the area the skaters will be forced to stop.
Ron Woodward, a builder who lives on Hughes Street, said longboard skating was dangerous because the road was busy from traffic taking short cuts to the Yarra Ranges. "The skaters drift down blind corners on the wrong side of the road," Mr Woodward said.
Australian Skateboard Racing Association vice-president Dave Robertson said they advised skaters of the road rules via their website. But he said many skaters saw longboards as vehicles similar to bikes. "They are not looking to annoy people. Kids use longboards a lot more for transport."
Yarra Ranges Shire director of engineering Mark Varmalis said the council would consult with residents about possible road treatments that might deter skaters from using the roads.
"Council provides a number of purpose-built skate park facilities throughout the municipality for skateboarders to use," he said.
The penalty for skaters caught riding on a divided road is $70.
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