MORE parking spaces for Blue Badge holders have been set aside in Solihull.
The move comes after the issue was raised by local residents and Solihull Green Party at the reduction in number under the pandemic restrictions.
Some additional parking spaces have been created in Shirley while in Solihull Town Centre most of the planters have been relocated to open Blue Badge spaces there too.
Meanwhile the borough council is asking people to continue parking in off-street car parks where possible and to leave the on-street Blue Badge spaces for those with severe mobility problems.
Meanwhile the authority’s emergency ‘active travel’ measures remain in place to assist pedestrians and cyclists.
However the Council is re-opening two of the service roads in Shirley – adjacent to the Saracens Head pub and in front of the former Morrisons store – on a trial basis.
The aim is to provide additional parking space and enable officers to monitor how the area performs.
The authority says if there aren’t any social distancing or queuing problems by the adjacent shops, some of the other restrictions in place across Solihull and Shirley may be relaxed in the coming weeks.
Councillor Ken Hawkins, who’s portfolio covers highways, said: “I would also ask that when out in our public spaces, you continue to do the right thing. Please keep your distance, wearing face coverings and use the extra space provided to help keep everyone safe and well.
“I am mindful of both the positive and negative impacts these temporary measures are having, but on balance, I have asked the team to keep these in place for now, continue to monitor and we will review the situation again in two weeks’ time.”
