A DISGRUNTLED resident has hit out at Worcestershire County Council over the ‘not fit for purpose’ disabled parking bays on Church Green East.
Patrick O’Brien from Matchborough has complained to the council, saying the disabled parking bays do not meet the Department of Transport stipulations.
He said: “Because there are no cross hatching sections, people can park close to the white lines, meaning cars in the neighbouring space might not be able to open their doors.
“We need the proper controls, I dont’ think the council understand and appreciate where I’m coming from.
“We Disabled people pay our dues, and we absolutely do matter.”
Unlike traditional disabled pays, the ones on Church Green East are drawn like regular spaces, with the word ‘disabled’ written at the bottom.
However, cabinet member for highways and transport, at Worcestershire County Council, Coun Mike Rouse said this is perfectly legal.
“Church Green East is a publicly adopted highway, and these spaces are therefore not classed as off-street parking.
“The disabled spaces are supported by a Traffic Regulation Order and designed to the required specification for on-street parking, which is different to the standard for off-street parking.
“They are legally enforceable and wider than standard spaces to allow easier parking on the road.
“Parking at private locations will often include a yellow hatched area either side of the car and at the rear, and an example of this can be found in the off-street disabled car park operated by the Borough Council just a few metres away from this location.
“The Department for Transport does not specify that hatched markings should be used at on-road parking locations and therefore there are no plans to make changes on Church Green East.”
Patrick added: “People could easily get injured trying to get into these spaces. They have regular disabled bays elsewhere in the town, why not here?
“Why the council are taking this attitude is a mystery to me.”
