Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment.

Decision

That the new pan-Dorset Blue Badge Car Park Charging Policy be approved.

Reason for the decision

To align the former council policies to one to bring consistency and fairness to Blue Badge holders who park in Dorset Council car parks.

Cabinet considered a report presented by the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment.  He highlighted that the aim of the report was to harmonise and align former council policies into one policy to bring consistency and fairness to Blue Badge holders who use Dorset Council car parks.

As its Vice-Chairman, Cllr L Fry indicated that the Place and Resources Overview Committee had considered the policy at its meeting on 10 February 2022. They fully supported the recommendation before Cabinet.

Cabinet members unanimously supported the recommendations. 

Decision

That the new pan-Dorset Blue Badge Car Park Charging Policy be approved.

Reason for the decision

To align the former council policies to one to bring consistency and fairness to Blue Badge holders who park in Dorset Council car parks.

To consider a report of the Strategic Parking Project Manager.

The committee received a report and presentation from the Strategic Parking Project Manager which sought support for a new pan-Dorset Blue Badge Charging Policy.  The policy sought to align the former Council policies into a new policy for Dorset Council, to bring consistency and fairness to Blue Badge holders who park in Dorset Council car parks.

Councillors considered the issues arising and discussion was held in the following areas:

·            Support was expressed for aligning the policy across the Dorset Council area

·            A Blue Badge and Restricted Mobility Parking Permit could be applied for from the council at the same time

·            The proposed policy recognised that Blue Badge holders required additional support by means of increased time for parking and was not based on any financial benefit

·            Enforcement issues were raised and would be further considered as part of future car parking reviews

·            Signs in car parks were being updated and information would be included on the council’s website.

It was proposed by V Pothecary seconded by S Jespersen

Recommendation to Cabinet

That the new pan-Dorset Blue Badge Car Park Charging Policy be approved.

The Executive Director of Place, having heard the debate, confirmed the ‘minded to’ recommendation to Cabinet, under delegated powers on behalf of the informal meeting of the Place and Resources Overview Committee.