That the report of the Strategic Director Place (Document “G”) considers objections to the introduction of a formal Blue Badge Parking Place on Jesmond Avenue, Toller, Bradford.

Resolved –

That the objections to the introduction of a formal blue badge parking bay on Jesmond Avenue be overruled, the bay be introduced as shown on drawing No. HS/TRSS/104773/COM-17A and the Traffic Regulation Order be sealed and implemented.

That the objectors be informed accordingly.

(Andrew Smith - 01274 434674)

The Strategic Director, Place, presented a report (Document “G”) which considered objections to the introduction of a formal Blue Badge Parking Place on Jesmond Avenue, Toller, Bradford.

A summary of the points of objection and corresponding officer comments was provided.  It was reported that in addition to the objections outlined in the report that three representations supporting the proposal had been received.

Members were reminded of the resolution of the meeting on 4 August 2022 that a review of existing Blue Badge Parking Places on Jesmond Avenue be undertaken.  It was confirmed that the review had since been conducted and it had been found that there were nine valid existing blue badge parking places in that location.

A person in objection to proposals addressed the meeting and reported that he was not against a disabled persons parking bay as such but he was concerned that the informal bay was being abused. He claimed that one family had three or four cars and these were being parked in the space.  He explained that he lived next door to the bay and was never able to park outside of this home due to the vehicles abusing the disable parking provision.  In addition, concerns were expressed that the parking bay would be extended into the area outside of his home.

It was claimed that people who were not disabled had parked in the bay for extended periods of time, including periods of up to two weeks.  The objector had collected evidence to document the abuse.  He also reported that he had only one car for his family of five children but that other residents had three or four cars parked on Jesmond Avenue.

A resident in support of the formalisation of the disabled parking bay explained that the bay was required for his elderly disabled mother.  He also explained that, whilst not classed as disabled, his 93 year old father was partially sighted, hard of hearing and had suffered from a heart attack.  It was stressed that the location suffered from inconsiderate and dangerous double parking.  He also expressed concerns that should there be an emergency in the area the emergency services would be unable to access his home. Claims that the space had been used by people who were not displaying a disabled badge were refuted. 

Members agreed that disabled people should be able to access their properties but acknowledged that informal disabled parking spaces could be abused. It was noted that there were nine disabled parking spaces on Jesmond Avenue and that informal bays could be used by any disabled person.

It was questioned if there were ways to ensure that only disabled people were utilising those spaces and prevent misuse.  In response it was explained that it was not possible to identify vehicle ownership and that any motorist could park in an informal bay and any motorist legitimately displaying a blue badge could park in a formal bay.

Resolved –

1.    That the objections to the introduction of a formal blue badge parking bay on Jesmond Avenue be overruled, the bay be introduced as shown on drawing No. HS/TRSS/104773/COM-17A and the Traffic Regulation Order be sealed and implemented.

2.    That the objectors be informed accordingly.

Action: Strategic Director, Place.