Boarders gain ground in city

Skateboarders can now use the outer pavements of Rutherford and Collingwood streets in a revised exclusion zone which has marginally shrunk the inner-city area from which they are banned.

Nelson City Council strategic response manager Chris Ward said the exclusion zone, which applies to skateboards, roller skates, and wheeled recreation devices, now ends in the middle of these streets rather than covering the pavements on both sides of the street.

The council has made the minor changes to the area where skateboards and roller skates are permitted under its Parking and Vehicle Control Bylaw.

The exclusion zone covers the centre of town from Nile St to Halifax St, and Rutherford St to Collingwood St, but people can now use their skateboards or roller skates on the outer sides of Halifax, Rutherford and Collingwood streets.

In another change, mobility parking permit holders can now apply for an annual permit that will allow them to park for extended periods if they work all day in central Nelson.

The council said the bylaw changes are the result of a consultation process earlier this year.

Mr Ward said the bylaw is silent on Segways, which are not classed as a wheeled recreational device by the New Zealand Transport Agency.

They are classified as motor vehicles, therefore, they are not able to be used on a footpath.

- © Fairfax NZ News