Issue - meetings

(Survey Analysis attached for information)

The Board received a presentation from the Environmental Services Manager in respect of the findings of a working group which had been set up to investigate the needs of Blue Badge Holders and to better understand the needs and view of local disabled residents.  A survey had been undertaken to improve the Council’s understanding of how car parks are used by disabled drivers in Bromsgrove town centre, and to test whether accessibility, cost or any other factors were barriers to car park use in the area.   1,208 surveys were issued to individuals and selected groups in July 2012, of which a total of 474 responses were received.  The majority of respondents were aged over 65.

Detailed results and analysis of the survey were provided in the report; however officers highlighted the salient points:

• 94% of respondents used car parks in the town centre.
• Over 85% agreed that disabled spaces in car parks were conveniently located and that payment machines were also well positioned and easy to use.
• Those that disagreed cited the distance required to walk to parking spaces and/or the payment machines as the main reason.
• There was a clear 50/50 split in terms of whether it was felt that the cost of parking for Blue Badge Holders in BDC car parks stopped or reduced the frequency of visits to the town. Those who disagreed commented that the car parks were too expensive, that parking was free elsewhere and Blue Badge holders should not have to pay.
• 11% of respondents identified the high street / town centre as an area that could benefit from disabled parking.

Officers explained that the findings would be used to produce a report to the Cabinet to be held on 3rd October 2012 and which would include four possible options for improvements to disabled parking in the town centre.  Whilst it was agreed that the survey had been very thoroughly undertaken, Officers confirmed that they had been unable to access the relevant blue badge holder database held by the County Council due to data protection issues. The survey had however been made available through various other means, including the Council’s website and the Customer Contact Centre.

On behalf of the Board, the Chairman thanked Officers for the presentation and the useful and relevant data provided by the survey.

RESOLVED that the presentation be noted.