By Cameron Weston
THE organiser of a support group for the disabled is calling for more parking in Mason St, Newport.
There are two car spaces for the disabled close to the shops in Mason St, one in front of the Newport Library and the other behind Sloan House day centre.
Bettina Revens, who runs Residents for Access, Mobility and Participation, (RAMP) said the issue was raised with Hobsons Bay City Council over a year ago when ‘speed cushions’ were installed along the busy shopping strip.
“We thought that it was going to be addressed by the council but we need to take another look at this.”
Phillip McDonald, director of works and assets for Hobsons Bay City Council said he was not aware of the problem.
“The issue of a lack of disabled parking has never been raised with council.”
However, Mr McDonald encouraged people to approach council to discuss the matter.
“If people feel there is more disabled parking needed, we can identify where we can put some more parking bays, but we need to know where.
“I’m sure we could probably put another bay or two in somewhere.”
Ms Revens said RAMP runs its disabled persons support group at Outlets Co-op, in Mason St, and said people often have trouble finding disabled parking spaces there.
“There is just nowhere for us to tell people to park when they come and do courses.”
She said providing enough parking spaces for the disabled, in appropriate locations, was important for people with a variety of disabilities.
“It’s about people being able to access Mason St safely.
“Not just wheelchair bound people but sight impaired people, and those with severe arthritis, too.
“The whole issue is about giving people fair and equitable access.”
Helen Adams from Western Region Disability Network (WRDN) said the disabled had very specific needs when it came to parking and access.
“It’s not necessarily having the car park outside the door, although that could be an issue for some people.
“It’s also having a parking space that is wider than normal, because they need to be able to open the car door right up to get the chair in.
“Nobody is suggesting that every space should be disabled parking, but there should be one or two spots along a shopping strip, particularly that one in Newport, which is a focal point of the community.”
