New measures planned to prevent abuse of disabled parking spaces in Alnmouth
Action is being taken to stop the misuse of disabled parking spaces in a popular seaside village.
New measures are planned at the disabled bays on Northumberland Street in Alnmouth.
The three existing disabled bays on the street are currently derestricted.
However, Northumberland County Council intends to create new traffic orders which would make them available for Blue Badge holders only.
A council report outlining the issue explains: “In the centre of Alnmouth, demand for on-street parking is high throughout the day and is often at full capacity due to residential needs for parking and visitors to local businesses.
“Most of Alnmouth has waiting restrictions in the form of double yellow lines in operation which also reduces parking, but the three advisory disabled bays situated on Northumberland Street are derestricted.
“This affords all motorists the opportunities to park in the disabled bays and reduces facilities for Blue Badge holders.”
The report continues: “Concerns have been raised by Blue Badge holders regarding abuse of these bays, thus reducing their ability to park in the vicinity or having to park further away.
“In order to alleviate these issues, amendments to the disabled bays are proposed which include installing new signage to denote that the facilities are for Blue Badge holders only and re-marking the bays to coincide with the prescribed regulations.
“The restrictions are proposed to apply at all times so Blue Badge holders living in Alnmouth still have priority in the evenings as well as throughout the day.
“The proposal is intended to increase parking facilities for Blue Badge holders and to protect the amenity of the area overall.”