Thursday 06 March 2014
During a recent review of the parking facilities for disabled islanders in the North Beach car park it became apparent that the existing four accessible bays are very well used and that there is some evidence to suggest there is a shortfall of spaces.
The Environment Department is committed to providing adequate provision for Blue Badge holders within the town area and following consultation with the Guernsey Disability Alliance, an extra four designated spaces will be created alongside the existing four bays. In addition, a marked walkway will be provided behind the bays to create safer access to and from vehicles for disabled drivers and passengers.
These changes are being introduced in the next couple of weeks but are being viewed very much as an interim measure pending a more thorough review of existing parking arrangements at the western end of the North Beach later in the year. This will include the option of relocating the existing motorcycle parking area to the northwest corner of the car park in order to allow the relocation of the accessible bays to the southwest corner, thereby providing as close a link as possible to the Liberation Monument and onwards into Town.
The longer-term solution is going to require the removal and repainting of a significant amount of road markings for which the Department will need to secure the use of appropriate equipment to undertake this task.
Shelaine Green, Chair of the Guernsey Disability Alliance, said:
"People who have mobility problems or breathing difficulties need to go into Town just like everyone else. But if a disabled person can't park close to their destination, they may have no choice but to give up and return home. All credit to the Environment Department for recognising how well used the North Beach designated spaces are and taking steps to increase the number."
Contact Information:
Karl Guille, Traffic and Transport Services Manager
Environment Department
Tel: 01481 717 200
