Council defends creation of disabled parking zone
THE number of newly-created disabled parking spaces immediately in front of Highland Council’s headquarters in Inverness is being queried by a community leader.
Pat Hayden, chairman of Crown and City Centre Community Council, was surprised to see 20 newly-painted parking spaces designated for disabled people in front of the offices in Glenurquhart Road.
"Is this number excessive? My husband has a disabled badge and we are all for disabled parking but 20 seems a lot," she said. "Are they going to have 20 disabled folk in the Highland Council headquarters at any one time?"
The area previously comprised reserved spaces for visitors and officials including the convener and vice convener but it has now been altered prior to a new pay-and-display parking system going live this month.
Mrs Hayden noted that council leader Margaret Davidson had recently been caught parking on newly-painted double yellow lines at the bike sheds behind the headquarters as there were no parking spaces available and she had appointments to attend.
Councillor Davidson, who has opted not to have her own parking space, said at the time it was the only space but it was a lesson that everyone should try to travel more by public transport.
But Mrs Hayden had sympathy for Councillor Davidson. She has also heard staff have had to park on the grass because of a lack of spaces.
Mrs Hayden, a volunteer member of the Highland Licensing Forum, was also concerned that in future she might have difficulty in finding a parking space.
A Highland Council spokeswoman said there was now just one more disabled parking bay than previously when they were scattered around the area.
"The spaces have been re-allocated together at the front of the building where visitors are required to access and register at reception, and where there is dedicated disabled access to the building," she said. "The number of disabled bays are reflective of the number required under planning guidance for any office of the size of our headquarters. We will monitor their use and adjust accordingly if there is a lack of demand."
Pay and display parking is being introduced at the council car park and adjoining Eden Court Theatre on Monday February 13. The move will save the council £20,000 a year.
A traffic order has been made to make the car park shared use permit parking for staff and members and long-stay parking.
Members of the public can pay and display on Mondays to Fridays from 4pm to 8am, and Saturdays and Sundays.
Visitors to the council will be able to log their car registration with reception if they do not have a parking permit.
Any misuse of the car park will lead to a £60 penalty charge.
