Issue - meetings

[Report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Transformation and Public Realm]

To consolidate all improvements being implemented or planned to improve access to disabled parking, as well as seeking approval for further policy changes and associated investment.

The Cabinet Member for Transformation and Public Realm Investment introduced the report which sought approval to increase the length of existing disabled parking bays to 6.6 metres to achieve consistency with new parking bays and achieve compliance with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016; and to provide exemptions in relation to parking restrictions for Blue Badge Holders awaiting replacement of stolen Blue Badges, for up to 3 weeks.  The Disabled Parking Action Plan had been informed through feedback from disabled motorists and their representative groups working either directly with the Cabinet Member, the service, or through the review carried out by the Environment and Community Safety Scrutiny Panel.  The range of improvements being made to the delivery of disabled parking services in Haringey would make a real difference to the lives of many disabled residents.

Councillor Bull praised the pro-active response to the Blue Badge theft issue.

RESOLVED to

1.         Agree that Blue Badge Holders awaiting the replacement of a stolen Blue Badge are exempt from the parking restrictions for up to 3 weeks;

2.         Agree the increase in length of existing disabled parking bays to 6.6 metres to achieve consistency with any new disabled parking bays that are provided and compliance with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016; and

3.         Give delegated approval to the Head of Highways and Parking:

·  To make decisions relating to scheme design and implementation;

·  To carry out consultation;

·  To consider representations received in response to consultation and to report significant or substantial concerns back to the relevant Cabinet Member; and

·  To make traffic management orders, where there are no valid objections.

Reasons for decision

The Council has a statutory obligation to provide disabled parking facilities and to effectively manage the local delivery of the national Blue Badge scheme. This needs to be done in a manner that is meaningful and meets the requirements of disabled people.

This Disabled Parking Action Plan, including new proposals, will improve the service offer and ensure the delivery of a compliant and fit-for-purpose service. 

Alternative options considered

Disabled parking provision will be kept under constant review to ensure that the parking needs of disabled residents and visitors are met. The consolidated Disabled Parking Action Plan is comprehensive, and no other options were considered at this point in time.