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Question from: County Councillor Iain McIntosh Subject: Blue Badges follow up question
Question:
Further to previous questions and concerns raised with Cabinet members on 23rd February regarding the introduction of parking charges for blue badge holders here; https://powys.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=867&MId=8524&Ver=4, I would like to raise another concern and ask for a response please. As you are aware, Blue Badge parking spaces are strategically positioned in Powys car parks to provide disabled individuals with closer access to shops and facilities, significantly reducing the distance they need to walk. This thoughtful placement has been instrumental in supporting the mobility and independence of disabled people within the community.
The introduction of parking charges for Blue Badge holders raises substantial concerns about accessibility and convenience. Specifically, the necessity for Blue Badge holders to locate and walk to ticket machines, which may be situated a considerable distance from designated Blue Badge parking spaces, could pose significant challenges. This change could inadvertently compromise the very principle of accessibility and support that the Blue Badge scheme aims to uphold.
In light of these concerns, I kindly request the following information: · Could the Council provide details on how many car parks have ticket machines placed in locations that would require Blue Badge holders to walk a longer distance from their parked vehicle in designated parking spaces to purchase a parking ticket? · In addressing the potential accessibility issues this change might introduce, is the Council considering any plans to relocate ticket machines closer to Blue Badge parking spaces, or implement alternative solutions to ensure that the introduction of parking charges does not impede the accessibility and independence of disabled individuals? · I hope Powys County Council is committed to inclusivity and accessibility for all members of our community and I hope the current administration can find effective solutions that maintain the accessibility and support needed by disabled residents and visitors to Powys.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and am hopeful for a positive outcome that aligns with our values of accessibility and inclusivity.
Minutes: Response by the Cabinet Member:
Thank you again for your continued concern in respect of getting the system right for disabled parking in our car parks. We take all your concerns seriously in the context they are given.
To assist with a more accessible approach to pay and display car parking we are currently in the process of procuring a cashless payment system using mobile phones. This will enable any car park user to pay for parking using a mobile device. Signs will be erected at the appropriate place to give information and we will be publicising this on our website. It is a good news story so I am hoping we can get to those users who will find this beneficial through the normal channels and on social media. I have had queries from visitors to Powys in the past asking why we have not had this system in place.
Under the commercial framework in place to procure this service, the prequalified providers are ones used in many other authorities and it is expected that this will provide the most convenient method of paying for parking moving forward. We will ensure that this system is in place prior to charging blue badge holders for parking.
It is acknowledged that there will be places where we will need to give some consideration to the location of the pay and display machines. However, most distances from ‘bay to pay’ should not be excessive. Notwithstanding this blue badge holders are not limited to parking within the marked disabled bays. They can park in any bay and displaying a blue badge will mean the concession of the additional hour will be granted over the paid for time.
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