Directory

Access tools

Set Text size

| |

Set Contrast

| |

Text only
Translation
Listen

News

Disabled Drivers to Get Extra Parking

In addition to the recently announced free parking at Poole Town Centre car parks from 6pm in the run up to Christmas, the Borough of Poole is increasing the much needed provision of extra parking bays for drivers with disabilities.

There are currently 7,500 blue badge holders in the borough increasing at the rate of approximately 100 per year. Currently of the 7,007 parking spaces in Poole's car parks and on-street pay and display areas there are currently 201 disabled parking bays, the equivalent of 2.85 per cent of the parking stock.

Under the new proposals the extra disabled bays provided will increase to over 3 per cent of the overall parking stock. They will be provided with immediate effect at:

·         Chapel Lane Car Park - Disabled parking spaces increased from six to eight and further increased to 10 if demand justifies

·         Serpentine Lane Car Park - First two bays next to the Falkland Square entrance be converted for disabled drivers

·         Swimming Pool Car Park - An extra disabled bay added

·         Branksome Chine and Branksome Dene Car Parks - Two additional disabled bays marked in both

·         Sandbanks Car Park - An extra five disabled bays

·         Banks Road near to Shore Road - Two extra bays to be allocated where there is heavy demand

The decision to provide extra disabled parking facilities was taken following a survey carried out in the summer and also in response to comments about parking made by some respondents in Poole Opinion Panel's Spring 2005 Survey. Further reviews of the situation will continue.

Cllr Ron Parker, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Local Economy including Transportation, said: "We are providing further spaces in town and beach car parks to bring the town's provision to over 3% of total spaces. This equates to a total of over 200 spaces and this number will kept under review and increased if necessary. From a recent survey we understand that this is the highest provision in Dorset. We are also mindful of the needs of carers and care organisations and further proposals will be made if necessary to the Transport Advisory Group of the Council."

Rachael Mills, Media Relations Manager, Communications, Boroughof Poole tel 01202 633295