HC Deb 16 June 1971 vol 819 cc438-9
28. Mr. Farr

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to assist drivers of vehicles carrying disabled passengers in finding parking spaces in towns.

Mr. Graham Page

The question of helping such drivers to find parking space is a local matter. My right hon. Friend hopes shortly to make regulations which will make it possible for drivers of disabled passengers, once they have found space where parking is permitted, to stay there longer than the designated period.

Mr. Farr

I am delighted to hear that. Lest there be delay before his intended legislation comes about, may I ask my hon. Friend to draw the attention of local authorities to the very grave difficulties in which drivers of disabled passengers find themselves when trying to wait for disabled passengers to finish then shopping, and that often such drivers are moved along by unsympathetic traffic wardens?

Mr. Page

I hope that this problem will be solved as a result of the regulations. I regret that there has been some delay, but it has been necessary to consult fully the local authorities, the G.L.C. and the disabled persons' associations. The important point to bear in mind is that when these regulations come out, which I hope will be shortly, they will for the first time cover disabled passengers and institutions caring for the disabled as well as the drivers themselves.

Mr. Edwin Wainwright

Will the Minister consider the cost of parking for disabled people, many of whom live on low incomes and find it difficult to find the money for this purpose? Is he aware that in many instances they must park considerable distances from shopping centres, when they should be entitled to park as near the shops as possible?

Mr. Page

The regulations will mean that once they have parked, there will not be a parking fee for the length of time they stay at that parking place, and they will be able to stay there the whole day without a further fee.