An Elgin councillor yesterday called for a section of a town-centre car park to be reserved exclusively for disabled users.
Elgin city north member Patsy Gowans raised the issue as Moray Council’s health and social care services committee discussed how the local authority could better meet the needs of residents with disabilities.
She suggested an area of one of the Batchen Lane multi-storey car park could be set aside for the sole use of vehicles carrying wheelchairs.
She said: “I asked some disabled residents to offer their views on how to improve the town-centre during a recent charrette held in Elgin.
“Disabled parking was one of the main issues they were keen to offer suggestions on, and it would improve their experience of Elgin if an area in a car park was reserved only for rear-access vehicles.
“At the moment they are getting trapped if someone parks behind them, and can be trapped at the side as well.
“As this was brought up during the charrette it should be documented there, and I hope it receives some genuine consideration.”
Elgin city south councillor Graham Leadbitter said he had spoken to local police officers about imposing stricter penalties against able-bodied drivers caught using bays reserved for disabled people.
He said: “There are issues about enforcement, and people are abusing those parking spaces.”
The committee agreed to launch a public consultation on how to improve Moray for its disabled residents.
Last month councillors agreed to a free parking scheme for all motorists using Elgin’s Batchen Lane and St Giles Centre car parks.
For a period of six months beginning in June, drivers will be able to park in either multi-storey at no cost from 3pm onwards.