Speaking at the launch of the Baywatch Campaign Good Practice Guide to the Provision of Accessible Parking, the Minister welcomed the guide. "This Guide is aimed at service providers such as large supermarket chains, DIY stores and retail parks. It will help them to do more to provide well-designed accessible parking.
"These facilities provide the opportunity for many disabled people to park close to shopping, health care and other essential services. However, there is no point in service providers creating accessible parking if the parking bays are then misused.
“For on-street and Roads Service car parks, my department has the power to deliver a clear and consistent message that abuse or misuse of the Blue Badge Scheme will not be tolerated and I would encourage other public and private sector parking suppliers to adopt a similar approach.
“The Baywatch campaign, which the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee and others are promoting, is continuing to grow and I hope that it will continue to receive strong support from private and public sector organisations.”
Notes to Editors:
- The Baywatch (NI) Campaign is a partnership of leading disability organisations including Mobilise, Disability Action, the MS Society and Shopmobility (NI). The Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC) are leading the campaign. For further information on the campaign contact Michael Lorimer at Imtac on 028 9029 7885 or visit the Imtac website www.imtac.org.uk
- Results published in July 2006 highlight that 25% of accessible parking bays are being abused at any time here - a higher level than in Great Britain.
- IMTAC is an independent committee, which receives financial support from DRD to carry out its work programme. Imtac’s membership comprises older people and people with disabilities, representative organisations from the voluntary and community sector, transport providers and policy makers.
- DRD policies on transport issues affecting disabled people are set out in its Accessible Transport Strategy published in April 2005 (www.drdni.gov.uk/ats). It aims to address the barriers that prevent older people and people with disabilities from using, or making full use of, the transport system in the North.
- Media queries to DRD Press Office (028) 9054 0372. Out-of-hours call EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
