Parking spaces plea for blue badge holders

Gulf between number of badge holders and number of available bays ‘startling’ The gulf between blue badge holder numbers and disabled parking spaces in Courier Country has been described as “startling”.

In Angus there are 535 spaces and 5,009 blue badge holders; 733 spaces in Dundeee and 5,595 blue badge holders; 3,170 spaces in Fife and 17,690 blue badge holders; 312 spaces and 7,866 blue badge holders in Perth and Kinross.

That means there are just 13% of spaces available for blue badge holders although they are entitled to park on single or double yellow lines unless there are restrictions.

Arbroath East and Lunan Independent councillor Lois Speed wants more to be brought in to meet the needs of an ageing population and those with varying disabilities.

The mother and carer for two adults who are power wheelchair users has been a support worker and advocacy worker in Angus.

“I definitely believe things need looked at,” she said.

“The figures are quite startling and although the numbers shouldn’t match up they should certainly be fairer.

“Improvements and further adaptions to urban plan and design need to be made to meet and sustain the needs of an ageing population and of those with varying disabilities.

“We all should take greater responsibility and think about the way in which we travel, use and access our environs.

“I certainly think much more thought should be given to smart travel, using healthier and more environmentally friendly forms of transport with those that can walk leaving the car behind.

“All of which will in turn leave our town centres and community areas more freed up for those who need direct access most.

“I believe an increase in blue badge disabled bays would not only help make it easier for those with the greatest need to get around, be included and have the same opportunities as others, but it would also help tackle problems such as congestion and parking problems especially in problem areas such as town centres, public spaces and places of interest, schools and community leisure facilities.

“I think we need to be more proactive in addressing these issues and promoting healthier lifestyles and put the needs of the most vulnerable ahead of our own.”

The Blue Badge lasts for a period of between 12 months and three years.

When this time is up, people will need to apply again to the local authority for a new badge.

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “We recently published a consultation to seek the views of the public on how to improve parking in Scotland.

“Those findings will help to develop provisions for the forthcoming Transport Bill – and we will also consider opportunities to further improve awareness and enforcement of disabled parking places.”

I think we need to be more proactive in addressing these issues and promoting healthier lifestyles

Kim Cessford. Angus councillor Lois Speed believes those who can walk should leave their cars behind.