Council defends parking changes
Sir, – I must correct the assumption made by Mrs P. Bingham in her letter of last week (‘Council ignores the disabled’), in which she questions changes made to disabled parking provision in Elgin town centre.
The relocation of the disabled parking on the Plainstones was based on a number of safety considerations. Disabled drivers using the spaces had to either reverse onto the road or into the pedestrian area on the Plainstones, where there had been several near-misses.
At the west end of the Plainstones, proposed traffic flow changes would result in vehicles reversing into an increased traffic flow, and greater risk of collision. In addition, an increasing number of cars were parked on the Plainstones outwith the designated disabled spaces.
The council knew that any changes in provision would have an impact on blue badge holders, and with this in mind, consulted widely on the proposals.
These consultations included: meeting with taxi drivers/operators; advertising in the local paper inviting objections; a notice on the council website with online forms; four meetings with the general public in four different locations; two meetings with Moray Access Panel; meeting with local traders; meeting with Elgin North and South area forums, and meeting with Elgin Community Council.
As a result of the meetings, the plans were amended: the number of additional disabled bays were increased, and there are now more disabled spaces in Elgin than before. Disabled bays are now available in Commerce Street, South Street, North Street and Thunderton Place.
Blue badge holders can also use any of the public parking bays in council car parks free of charge, and Shopmobility scooters are available beside the North Port car park. Blue badge holders are also not time-limited in other on-street parking.
I do hope that disabled drivers see Elgin as one of the most accessible shopping destinations in the area, for everyone. – Yours etc,
Peter Jones,
Communications officer,
Moray Council.
