Disabled parking fears as street plans revealed

Broad Street is at the heart of the plans for St Helier

Jersey’s government has revealed plans to pave over parts of Broad Street, amid criticism about the availability of disabled parking spaces in St Helier.

Four disabled parking bays were relocated to Dumaresq Street when Broad Street was “temporarily" closed in May 2020, to allow pedestrians to socially distance when visiting town.

As a result, blue badge holders have said they have had to walk further and the stress has affected their mental health.

Andy Jehan, Minister for Infrastructure, said plans to pedestrianise Broad Street would reduce all traffic and he would look at other sites nearby for disabled parking.

A meeting to discuss the needs of blue badge motorists is due to be held in Jersey at the end of June.

Pam Evans, who had a stroke and as a result struggles to walk far, said: “Sometimes I don't find a [parking] space so I just have to come home.

“I've actually missed appointments in town because I can't.

"I just drove round and round, looking for a space and I couldn't find one anywhere and I can't phone them.”

Currently only buses, delivery vans and bicycles can use Broad Street, but the bus stop for the 5, 19 and 20 is expected to be moved when the winter timetable comes into force.

Mr Jehan said: “We have plans for Broad Street, we have plans for the public realm of St Helier.

"We want St Helier to be a destination that people come and enjoy and we believe that by paving over parts of Broad Street, we can make this area available for functions.”

Dee Michoux, blue badge holder, said Broad Street disabled bays made access to King Street easier for those who needed them.

He added: "I think personally that it affects [my] mental health because I’ve got to the point where I try not to come to town unless I absolutely have to."

Jackie Hilton-Egre, a former States member who has recently qualified for a blue badge, appealed for the government to understand the difficulties for her "demographic".

"I think we should be trying to be as inclusive as possible and making town accessible to people with disabilities and I don’t think that’s happening at the current time."

Different disabled bays have various maximum stay durations of one, two or four hours with some people concerned bays with a shorter limits are not practical for people with walking problems.

Mr Jehan said: “If we can increase parking in Library Place, in New Street, in Vine Street for blue badge holders then we’ll do that.

"If we change the times for blue badge holders, we’ll look to work with them to do that.”