Fine for skateboarder withdrawn

A $750 fine Reuben Baker received when he broke a council bylaw regarding skateboarding in the city has been withdrawn.

In a decision made by council and the Gisborne Police, it was agreed the fine was excessive and although legal it was significantly more than advised in the bylaw.

Council's chief environmental health officer Sarwan Kumar says that the council's intention was that skateboard offences against the Public Places Bylaw attract a fine of $55 for the first offence, and $100 for any subsequent offences.

"Unfortunately the police were not aware of the recommended fine at the time the infringement notice was issued. They (police) were legally correct in issuing the standard $750 fine under the Transport Act."

Mr Kumar says that he is pleased that police enforce the skating provisions of the bylaw. "Some skaters are capable of creating a nuisance, especially to older people, children and people in wheelchairs. Such nuisances are the very reason why council included skateboarding offences in its bylaw."