Contact: Alison Quant, ext 5099 email: alison.quant@hants.gov.uk

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision was made:

The County Council's response to the Department for Transport's consultation document on a Comprehensive Blue Badge (Disabled Parking) Reform Strategy was approved subject to some amendments. The final version is available on Hantsweb at:

http://www.hants.gov.uk/decisions/decisions-index/index-docs-6825.html

2. Reason

2.1 Changes to the scheme need to be fair, enforceable and administratively efficient whilst enabling those with severe mobility problems to have preferential access to on-street parking, with the primary purpose of enabling people to park as close as possible to their destination, including on yellow lines, provided this does not interfere unduly with traffic movements.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Not to support the proposed changes to eligibility to treat those people with assessed mobility problems the same as those who automatically qualify.

3.2 To seek further extensions to the eligibility criteria. Because this scheme applies to on-street parking, where opportunities to park are limited, a widening of the scheme to include those with lesser mobility problems would reduce accessibility for those with greater mobility needs. District Councils, which provide off-street parking, could widen their eligibility criteria to cater for those with specific mobility needs that do not qualify for a Blue Badge.

3.3 To withdraw the concession to park on yellow lines. Although traffic congestion is much more of a problem than when the scheme was set up, in practice few people make use of this concession. Unless there is a significant problem identified, it is reasonable to retain this because alternatives may not be available to meet the person's needs.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - None.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - None.

Approved by: ..................................... Date: ...................................

Councillor T K Thornber CBE - Chairman

1625Decn/AQ