Agenda item

Opportunity for questions and comments relating to the provision of disabled car parking in the Market Place.

The results of the survey (so far) in relation to car parking and disabled car parking were as follows:

At the Chairman’s invitation, Helen Farmer spoke on behalf of Salisbury Wheelchair users group, in relation to the provision of disabled car parking in the Marketplace, making the following points:

·         Roadside spaces were more dangerous for disabled users to park in, due to access issues when getting in and out of wheelchairs.

·         Around 50-75% of cars in the Marketplace were blue badge holders, but it was also important to remember drivers with disability or mobility issues who did not qualify for a blue badge.

·         The idea of using New Canal Street for additional disabled parking was supported.

·         The Wiltshire Council parking strategy set out a commitment to meeting national minimum standards, of providing disabled parking within 50m of essential services.  The Marketplace currently met this requirement, with the library, banks, Post Office and a pharmacy all within a short distance.

·         Consideration needed to be given to accessibility when choosing surfacing.  For example, cobble stones or similar surfacing could be uncomfortable or even painful for wheelchair users.  Paving stones would be more suitable, although they had to be maintained to prevent cracks and wobbles.

The Chairman thanked Helen for the presentation and invited questions and comments from the floor. The following points were raised:

·         The view was expressed that the pavements in Salisbury were inadequately maintained.  It was also stated that improving the surfacing in the Marketplace was only worthwhile if contractors and utilities companies were required to reinstate the original condition after digging.  Sustainable revenue funding would also need to be identified to maintain the quality of the surfacing.

·         Several comments were made in relation to the need to maintain the distinction of the historic right of way from the north-east corner to the south-west corner of the square.  This was supported by a show of hands from those present.

·         Responding to a question regarding how many disabled parking spaces were required in Salisbury, Helen was unable to give a number.  However, she noted that Salisbury had around half the recommended number of spaces as a percentage of total car parking spaces.  In addition, some car parks did not have level access, and wheelchair users had to travel on the road to get onto the pavement, creating a danger for them and passing vehicles.  Helen considered that a review of off-street disabled parking in Salisbury was required, to ascertain the number of spaces needed and where these could be provided.

·          Adequate cycle parking was raised as an important requirement for the refurbished Marketplace, as it was cheap to provide, took up little space, and encouraged cycle use.

·         Reference was made to the possibility of pedestrianising Blue Boar Row.

·         Helen requested that any plan should be subject to a full equality impact assessment.

·         In relation to a question regarding how much money had been spent on the project so far, this was estimated to be around £200,000, and a full breakdown would be provided for the next meeting.

ACTION: Alistair Cunningham

The Chairman invited a show of hands from the room on a number of issues, as follows:

·         The meeting was in favour of resurfacing the Marketplace.

·         The meeting was evenly divided on the issue of whether the Marketplace should be pedestrianised.

·         The meeting was against pedestrianisation during the daytime, and allowing parking in the evening.

·         The meeting was in favour of providing more disabled parking in the city.