Mordialloc Chelsea Leader: Beach Rd parking ban gets green light

Parking will be banned along Beach Rd from 6-10am weekends after Kingston Council’s decision approved a plan to clear the way for cyclists. The 12-month trial, likely to begin within a month, will see motorists stopped from parking between 6-10am on Saturdays and Sundays.

The zones will apply on the inland side of Beach Rd between Mundy St, Mentone and Nepean Highway, Mordialloc and on the coast side between Rennison St and the highway.

The council approved the trial in a 6-3 vote last night.

Cr Lewis Dundas told the meeting most Beach Rd houses had garages and driveways, and there was also ample parking in side streets.

“It is not a huge encumbrance,” Cr Dundas said.

“If it does not create hardship for the residents, why not give it a go?”

But Cr Ron Brownlees said a mailed survey found 61 per cent of residents opposed a weekend parking ban and there was no evidence a ban would improve road safety.

Cr Brownlees said bad cyclist behaviour and bunch riding was a bigger issue and once Beach Rd was cleared for cyclists there was no turning back.

“I do not believe there will just be a trial,” he said.

“Once it happens it happens.”

A council report states about 10 per cent of car spaces along Beach Rd are occupied from 6-10am on weekends.

The report says no-stopping zone signs could be covered during lifesaving events in a bid to prevent problems for clubs at Mordialloc and Mentone.

More than 9000 cyclists use the route between Port Melbourne and Mordialloc early on weekends.

Port Phillip Council has a 6.30-10am weekend clearway on Ormond Esplanade while Bayside Council is due to consider no-stopping zones at an upcoming council meeting.

The effectiveness of restrictions will be reviewed.