If it doesn't improve, presumably one of the first things they'll try is removing the exemption for Taxis.
This is an issue in itself, distinct from the others. I hope you're right, but the way so many councillors caved so readily on the taxi exemption (even being restricted times) is a cause of large concern. The taxi issue certainly isn't going to go away.
literally saw maybe 30 people crossing University on the north side of King during the right advance signal without a care in the world.
Perhaps the city needs NYC-style traffic cops at each intersection along the pilot area. I
I used to jokingly think it would be cool if the city hired citizens like me to sit at Front and Jarvis or Front and King to hand out tickets to drivers blocking the intersection. I would be very rich right now!
I suspect that real cops are needed as without that authority there might be 'sidewalk rage' incidents. So yeah, put the cops on the job until people figure things out. Just like after ball games.
The common thread remains *enforcement*. Without that, no aspect of the pilot will succeed. What Council can do almost immediately, based on the initial success of this, before the end of the first two weeks, is pass an emergency motion to allocate a budget to TPS for continued police presence. The issue can be based on safety alone for those councillors who resent the success of this project. Frame the motion in such a way as to leave them looking the pious, isolated dolts that they are when they vote against 'Public Safety'.
Further to that point, as an avid cyclist, I see a very real danger to "cyclists will use the curb lane to go straight ahead on the 'Right Turns Only' signal.". Think about that. Unless they are required to wait for the pedestrian 'Walk' signal, it's a matter of time before one tries to cut through moving right turning vehicles (and we've already witnessed the inertia they are moving at) and a cyclist isn't going to make it across without severe grief. With so many tracks in the road, it's a challenge for many cyclists to attain the right angle to cross them as it is.
As the project unfolds, I see many dangers for cyclists going through until actual (if ever, space is severely constrained) cycling infrastructure is built and restrictions are enforced. Just as cars and pedestrians don't mix, cars and cyclists barely mix (with caveats) cycles and streetcars with limited space don't mix, and many cyclists and pedestrians don't mix (Witness Harbourfront or parks).
Something's got to give on this. The importance of the project is Streetcars, and then pedestrians. Bikes would be nice, but not doing it in a compromised way as is the case now. And my feeling is that the only vehicles allowed, at least on the central part, should be those with a permit, and emergency/service vehicles. This is how it's done in other jurisdictions.
And if cyclists are required to walk their bike as a pedestrian, (unless they too hold a permit) that should be balanced by banning all taxis, save those for WheelTrans (w/ permit). The 'Right Turn Only' signs can then state "Permit Holders Excepted Only".
Here's how Melbourne (often cited in the City's model comparisons) handles it: (And note! Since this is a By-law, it can and is enforced by By-law officers, not police, saving police to enforce 'highway traffic' offences)
Swanston Street and Bourke Street Mall permits
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Businesses wanting access to Swanston Street or Bourke Street Mall can apply for vehicle access parking permits.
Vehicle access permits
The Vehicle Access Permit scheme controls vehicle access and parking in areas that are primarily for use by pedestrians:
- Swanston Street, between Flinders and La Trobe streets
- Bourke Street Mall, between Elizabeth and Swanston streets.
This scheme maintains reasonable access for vehicles that are required to service businesses within these areas.
Eligibility
To be eligible a business must be servicing properties in Swanston Street or Bourke Street Mall. The requirement to access these areas must be verified by providing a letter from your client. It must state the area to which you need access and the pick-up/drop-off points.
Vehicle Access Permits will not be issued to buses, coaches or taxis.
How the scheme works
When the vehicle is parked the permit must be displayed on its dashboard, near the registration label, for parking officers to view. To be legally parked, you must clearly display a valid permit with all inscriptions visible from outside the vehicle.
Where you can park
A vehicle displaying a Vehicle Access Permit is allowed to park:
- in areas marked 'Authorised Vehicles Excepted'
- during the times that the signs operate
- during the times that the permit is valid
- for no longer than the time limit on the permit.
Vehicle Access Permits for Swanston Street typically only allow parking for up to 30 minutes and are not valid between:
- 7.30am and 9.30am
- noon and 2pm
- 4pm and 7pm.
Vehicle Access Permits for Bourke Street Mall and Swanston Street typically only allow parking for up to 30 minutes and are not valid between:
- 7.30am and 9.30am
- 10.30am and midnight.
Where you cannot park
This permit does not allow the holder to park in:
- 'No Stopping' areas
- 'People with Disabilities' zones
- bus stops or taxi ranks
- construction zones.
Interim permits
You can obtain an interim Vehicle Access Permit while your permit application is being processed.
A maximum of one interim permit per year is issued for applicants who do not wish to apply for the annual permit. The interim permit is valid for 14 days.
How to apply
Complete the application form:
Submit the completed application form by post, email, fax or in person.
Please read Conditions of issue and use (DOC 44 KB) before applying for your permit.
Post:
City of Melbourne Permits and Review Team
PO Box 488
Melbourne VIC 3001
Email:
vehicleaccess@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Fax:
03 9658 9912
In person:
Melbourne Town Hall
Administration Building
120 Swanston Street, Melbourne
7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (public holidays excluded).
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http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/par...s/swanston-street-and-bourke-street-mall.aspx
