RUGBY DISABILITY FORUM
Chair: David Foster–Tel: 01788 544991 Secretary: John Burrell–Tel: 01788 533796
Website: www.rugbydisabilityforum.org
Minutes of meeting held at Hamilton House on Tuesday 24th April 2007
1. Presentation by Roger Bennett Decriminalisation of Parking
Roger explained that the County Council’s policy of providing double yellow lines on roads in residential areas has been controversial and they are now looking to review the policy.
They are promoting the idea of allowing parking on footpaths where the footpath is wider than 1.5 m.
Also looking at formalising disabled parking bays for use by a disabled person outside his/her house, although disabled person would have to meet the cost. (between £200-£500). However the space could also be used by other blue badge holders!
The tendency to park on part of the footpath in residential areas is not an offence. It is only an offence if the footpath is obstructed to an extent that pedestrians cannot pass or if damage to the footpath/highway has occurred.
Q - There is a problem with parking adjacent to zebra crossings. Also the cost of disabled parking bays is excessive.
A - Issues of charges and discrimination is one lawyers will debate. Warwickshire Disability Forum at their meeting agreed the cost should not be borne by ratepayers.
Q - Formal disabled parking cost of £500 – conflict when others can use the space. If there is a need then the Local Authority should provide.
Q - No reference in the revised policy on parking on double yellow lines. Once you allow parking on any footway – What is fair?? If allowed becomes a question of enforcement. Law should be enforced equally.
A - Enforcement – parking attendants are taking a more relaxed view in residential areas pending the Policy change. There are serious difficulties for residents.
Q - There are properties in Rugby that have back streets with garages and yet residents do not use their garage they park in the street.
A - The intention is that where this is so requests to formalise parking will not be considered.
David asked for a vote as to whether members felt that parking on footways was a bad idea. This was agreed unanimously. Agreed JB to write to WCC advising them of members concerns.
David thanked Roger for his presentation.
David welcomed everyone
Present – David Foster, John Burrell, Roger Bennett, Mala Solanki, Iciln Johnson, Daphne Johnson, Geoff Wilde, Jean Box, Marion Hersey, Lionel Broughton, Jack Lawton, Patsy Newson, Clem Griffiths, Gordon Boyle, Sarah Gibbons, Pat Clarke, Anne Clarke, Tony Woffenden, G. Corbett, George Farthing, Martin Eversfield, Gloria Lawley Ord, Sue Hillman, Derek Hillman, Andrew Cowan, Harry Mossop, Brian Edwards.
. Apologies – John Hicks, Joyce Carter, Paul Cooper, Joyce George, Enid Blencowe, Cliff Dennis, Cassim Virani, Anne Jones.
Matters Arising – JB advised of a correction – Stagecoach no longer run a bus from Rugby to Coventry University Hospital, however De-Courcey do, their telephone number is 024 76 302656.
(i) Committee Report – will be dealt with under item 6.
Taxis – agreed Jack to write to David Hanger to ensure new taxis will comply with Forums previously stated requirements.
Caldecott Park Restoration – Geoff gave a summary of first meeting of ‘Friends of Caldecott Park’ – 20 people attended. It was agreed Geoff and Martin would represent the Forum at future meetings.
6. Future of Forum
David advised that he has been speaking to Paul Tolley at CVS and there is a possibility of funding to employ someone for perhaps 3 days a week to promote the Forums ideas and ideals. The person would need the necessary social skills with a degree in social engineering. Should be able to get grant money from Comic Relief and other organisations. Intention would be that CVS would draw up contract dealing with rights, payment, personnel issues etc. with the Forum managing the persons workload and responsibilities.
Members agreed overwhelmingly that this was an excellent idea and David agreed to come back to the Forum with costings, job description, job profile, programme of work and who will manage and be responsible for workload.
7. Any Other Business
(i) May Day 7th May – Forum will have a table at Whitehall Recreation with Race & Disability Group. Mala is doing a banner and Derek is doing art work to publicise the Forum. Anne, Andrew, Pat, Geoff and Patsy will attend the table on the day.
Craig took photo’s of members for the poster he is helping to design.