Taxi drivers in Oldham have been accused of using disabled bays in a car park as a makeshift rank, preventing people who need those spaces from accessing them. Vicky Riley, who has rheumatoid arthritis, shared her experience of being late for medical appointments due to the issue at New Radcliffe Street car park. The problem arose when a taxi rank on Dan Fold was relocated to the car park due to building work, resulting in a temporary reduction of disabled bays from 27 to 20. Oldham Council mentioned that more disabled bays would be added nearby to address the situation.
According to Ms. Riley, most visitors to Oldham’s Integrated Care Centre (ICC) use the New Radcliffe Street car park, and the scene she witnessed was described as “absolute carnage.” The taxi drivers were seen parked in disabled bays and not allowing those in need to access them. Despite displaying her blue badge, Ms. Riley was warned of receiving a ticket if she parked in the bay, causing her to be 20 minutes late for her appointment. She emphasized the importance of those spots for disabled drivers attending the ICC and expressed the difficulty faced due to the overcrowded car park.
Ms. Riley highlighted the challenges faced by disabled individuals in accessing parking areas, particularly when alternative options are not convenient. The ICC does have its own car park, but its location at the bottom of a steep hill makes it inaccessible for many disabled people. Additionally, the nearby Civic Centre car park, with only two disabled bays, is not a suitable alternative. Oldham Council clarified that the relocation of the taxi rank to the car park was agreed upon as a “replacement location” following the closure of the former rank due to demolition work.
The council confirmed that the former taxi rank had to be closed for the demolition of the Snipe Inn, allowing for the creation of an entrance to the town center from the bus station. To mitigate the impact of the reduced disabled bays, plans were made to create six new disabled bays directly in front of the ICC building. The council assured that these changes would be implemented promptly to alleviate the challenges faced by disabled drivers in finding suitable parking spaces. It is essential to address the issue to ensure accessibility for all individuals, especially those with disabilities, when using public parking facilities in the area.
In response to the situation at New Radcliffe Street car park, Oldham Council is taking steps to address the shortage of disabled bays caused by the relocation of the taxi rank. By creating additional designated parking spaces for disabled drivers near the ICC building, the council aims to improve accessibility and alleviate the challenges faced by individuals like Vicky Riley. Despite the temporary inconvenience, the council is working towards ensuring that the needs of disabled drivers are met and that they can access the necessary facilities without disruptions or obstacles in their way. Collaborative efforts between local authorities and the community are crucial in promoting inclusivity and accommodating the diverse needs of individuals in public spaces.
