Bike ban on hold

COUNCILLORS have put the brakes on a local law that aims to crack down on monkey bikers.
Cardinia Shire councillor Stuart Halligan success-fully moved a motion last week to defer the adoption of the law until May to allow a meeting with Pakenham Police.
“It’s something that needs to be ratified and looked at, I think, by local police,” Cr Halligan said.
Under the tough new laws, riders of recreational vehicles – including monkey bikes – who take their business onto public land will have their motor-cycles impounded for six months under tough new laws passed by Cardinia Shire Council.
Vehicles that can be impounded and destroyed include monkey bikes, trail bikes, motorbikes, motor scooters and go-karts.
Farming vehicles, motorised wheelchairs and bicycles with motors less than 200 watts are exempt from the law.
Penalties range from fines, which increase for subsequent offences, and impoundment.
Riders will have their bike impounded for six months and charged a $250 release fee and holding fee of $300 for a first offence.
This increases to a 12-month impoundment plus a $250 release fee and $600 holding fee for second offence.
The council also has the power to destroy an impounded motorcycle if the owner has not paid the fines within 28 days of receiving the penalty notice.
Cr Brett Owen agreed that a meeting with police was needed before the law was formally adopted.
“It’s important to defer this so we can liaise with local police as they are going to be the enforcers of this local law,” he said.