Restore these disabled spaces (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Restore these disabled spaces

9:42am Thursday 11th June 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(4)

SIR — I am writing in support of a call on your letters page last week, not only to restore the disabled parking spaces in Winchester High Street, but also to make parking available there all day for members of the public who have a blue badge.

The previous rules were restrictive enough — no parking between 11am and 3pm — but now the ‘no parking’ time has been recently extended an hour either side, from 10am to 4pm.

I have already received a number of complaints from out of town carers who are just trying to do their best for the people they care for — taking them to the opticians, food and clothes shopping, the doctors, etc.

Recently councillors heard ideas for improved accessibility in Winchester, and I argued that parking right in the central area is a key issue for quality of life for disabled people.

They don’t want charity, just practical help to reach the commercial centre of this historic town, and these spaces did just that.

But many disabled people have difficulty even getting to town before 10am, or after 4pm, let alone completing an appointment in the limited time left in the day.

I have appealed for residents on this very point recently, but was told by the council that it makes it difficult for buses. How?

And even if it does, isn’t that a balance worth considering?

Come on Winchester City Council — think of others for once, and give us back the disabled spaces in the High Street.

Cllr Jackie Porter, Main Road, Itchen Abbas.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(4)