News / parking
Disabled drivers asked for feedback on parking after complaints
Disabled drivers are being asked for feedback in a new council survey on how hard they find parking in Bristol after a flurry of complaints.
With major changes coming to the city centre, like pedestrianising the Horsefair and banning cars from Denmark Street, parking could become harder.
Drivers with a disability can get a Blue Badge to display in the car which allows them to park in disabled bays.
But several recent high-profile transport policies have come under fire for how they affect disabled people.
This includes the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood, which has particularly incensed some disabled residents who rely on driving to get around.
However, changes to Bristol City Council’s approach to disabled parking could soon follow after a public consultation comes to an end.
Green councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the transport policy committee, said: “Disabled people are experts on their own journeys, and their lived experience must be at the heart of how we design and manage our streets.
“We want to make sure our transport schemes work for everyone, especially disabled people.
“This survey gives Blue Badge holders the opportunity to tell us what works well, what doesn’t, and what could be improved.
“Disabled parking isn’t just about vehicles. It’s about independence, dignity and access to everyday life.
“As Bristol’s transport network continues to change, accessibility must be central to that change.”
Responses to the survey will provide an insight into how well the current arrangements are working, and how future transport and street design projects can be improved to make Bristol more accessible for disabled people.
In 2024, councillors backed a motion put forward by Labour calling for the city to become more accessible for disabled people.
Blue Badge holders can park for free in on-street disabled bays which have signs showing a blue wheelchair symbol and are usually restricted to three hours.
Badge holders can also park for free and without a time limit in on-street pay and display bays. And they can request the council paint white lines for an advisory disabled parking space near their home.
Megan Belcher, co-chair of the Disabled People’s Strategic Transport Advisory Group, said: “We advise the council on transport and accessibility issues affecting Disabled people.
“It is vital that disabled people’s voices are included when changes are being considered to Bristol’s roads, neighbourhoods, public transport and parking.
“Through this survey, which was suggested by and developed with members of the group, we want to hear the voices and opinions of Blue Badge holders, as well as their families and carers, about what matters most to them when travelling and parking.
“The survey will also help bring together a group of people who will work with us to continue to inform and shape more accessible transport and parking in Bristol.”
The Blue Badge parking survey is open until July 21. To take part, visit www.bristol.gov.uk/ask/find-consultation-engagement/consultation-engagement?id=291
Main photo: Martin Booth
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