ITEM CMDT8
CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPORT – 23 APRIL 2009
DISABLED PERSONS’ PARKING PLACES – WEST OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT
Report by Head of Transport
Introduction
1. This report considers the proposed provision of new Disabled Persons’ Parking Places (DPPPs), the formalisation of existing “advisory” DPPPs, and the removal of a DPPP that is no longer needed in West Oxfordshire following the publication of the draft Oxfordshire County Council (West Oxfordshire District) (Disabled Persons’ Parking Places) (Amendment [No.2*]) Order 20**. Should the proposals be approved, all of the “on street” DPPPs in West Oxfordshire will be contained this Order.
Background
2. The increasing demand for parking in Oxfordshire can lead to particular difficulties for disabled people who need to park close to their homes or place of work. The County Council may provide a DPPP on a public road where there is a need.
3. On 7 December 2004 the Executive agreed to rationalise policy with regard to disabled parking includingd proposals to adopt a uniform approach to be implemented throughout the County. Previously, in Oxfordshire (as opposed to Oxford City) disabled parking was provided by the use of advisory bays. These bays are marked up on the ground but no disabled sign plate is provided and, as they do not appear in a Traffic Regulation Order, they are not enforceable. A review of these DPPPs has been carried out across Oxfordshire to ensure they are still required and those that are, are being formalised. It will then be possible to enforce them. At the same time, new requests for DPPPs are being considered.
Procedure
4. A fact sheet listing the criteria required to qualify for a DPPP is available in the Members’ Resource Centre. A primary condition for qualification is that the applicant has to be a Blue Badge holder. Applicants have to complete a detailed application form and provide a copy of their driving licence and vehicle registration documents to prove that both the driver and the vehicle owner are resident at the address where the DPPP is requested.
5. The site is then assessed by a Highways Inspector to see if a DPPP is feasible. If it is, informal consultation is carried out with various authorities, such as the Emergency Services. If no comments are received formal consultation is commenced. This report considers comments in respect of the DPPPs referred to in paragraph 1 received at the formal stage.
Formal Consultation
6. The Directorate sent a copy of the draft Amendment Order, a Statement of Reasons for the Order and a copy of the Public Notice appearing in the local press to formal Consultees on 17 February, 2009. These documents, together with supporting documentation as required and plans of all the DPPPs were deposited for public inspection at County Hall, West Oxfordshire District Town Centre Shop and Burford, Charlbury, Chipping Norton, Eynsham, and Wychwood Libraries. They are also available for inspection in the Members’ Resource Centre.
7. Separately, the Directorate wrote to local residents in each area where the proposed new and formalised DPPPs would be sited asking for their comments. The Directorate also wrote to local residents in the area where it is proposed to remove the existing DPPP that is no longer required. In addition public notices were displayed at each site and in the Oxford Times. A table showing all the bay proposals is shown at Annex 1 (download as .doc file).
8. Comments were received in respect of the proposed DPPPs in Cote Road, Aston; Witney Street, Burford; Lee Close, Charlbury; The Lees, Chipping Norton; Burford Road, Witney; and the proposed formalisations of the existing DPPPs at High Street, Milton-under-Wychwood.
9. A synopsis of each comment with an officer response is set out at Annex 2 (download as .doc file). Copies of the responses can be viewed in the Members’ Resource Centre.
Recommended Changes to the Proposals
10. The following is a location where it was proposed to provide a new DPPP but as a result of consultation it is recommended it should not now proceed:-
Proposed new DPPP in Lee Close, Charlbury – after discussions with the applicant and local residents it has been agreed that a white protection marking would be more appropriate to keep the space free from parking by visitors to the street. It is therefore recommended that the DPPP proposal does not proceed.
All the other proposals are recommended to go ahead as advertised.
How the Project supports LTP2 Objectives
11. The introduction of new DPPPs and formalisation of three advisory DPPPs will help in Delivering Accessibility by enabling disabled people to park near to their homes and thus access a wider range of services.
12. Removal of DPPPs that are no longer required will improve the street environment by reducing sign clutter and result in better management of parking. Financial and Staff Implications (including Revenue)
13. The cost of installing the DPPPs is approximately £5,000 and will be met from the existing revenue budget provided for these.
RECOMMENDATION
14. The Cabinet Member for Transport is RECOMMENDED to authorise variations to the Oxfordshire County Council (Disabled Persons’ Parking Place - Oxford) (Amendment No 4/5) Order 20** as amended in this report to provide for:
(a) six new DPPPs at:
30 Cote Road, Aston 54/56/58 Witney street, Burford 63 The Lees, Chipping Norton 80 North Street, Middle Barton 22 Burford Road, Witney 4 Crawley Road, Witney
and as set out in Annex 1 to this report;
(b) the formalisation of three existing advisory DPPPs at:
7 Newland Close, Eynsham 28 High Street, Milton-under-Wychwood 42 Holford Road, Witney
and as set out in Annex 1 to this report;
(c) not to proceed with the proposal for a DPPP at 5 Lee Close, Charlbury as detailed in paragraph 10 of the report; and
(d) the removal of one DPPP at 27 Henley Road, Chipping Norton as set out in Annex 1 to this report.
STEVE HOWELL Head of Transport Environment & Economy
Background papers: Consultation documentation
Contact Officer: Mike Ruse, Tel: 01865 815978 March 2009
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