Council moves into gear to create more visible and accessible mobility parking
Work has started to make Napier’s on-street mobility carparks more visible, with bold blue and white wheelchair icons to help ensure road users know it’s important to leave them available for those who need them.
The project comes out of the 2022 Mobility Parking Review, part of the Napier Disability Strategy. Napier City Council is now working on implementing recommendations from the review.
Thunes Cloete, Napier City Council Community Services Executive Director, says access is the most important outcome.
“It’s vital that all people can easily participate in the activities that make a good life,” Thunes says. “Enabling that participation in efficient, sustainable and inclusive ways helps make sure Napier is a city that’s accessible to everyone.”
When the re-painting is complete, contractors will move on to remedial works of 12 mobility parks in the CBD and Marewa.
The review included a survey of mobility parking demand, an assessment of projected demand, and a technical audit of current mobility parking spaces managed by Council (on-road). The purpose of the review was to determine the optimal number of mobility parking spaces for both present and future requirements, as well as establish the optimal location of future mobility parking spaces.
The results confirmed that some mobility car parks require remedial work and that demand for mobility parking will increase over time due to an ageing population.
Other recommendations included improving and standardising parking limits and signage, options for adding extra mobility parks within the CBD and Taradale, reviewing off-road mobility parks in Council facilities and reserves, and upgrading further carparks.
Additional improvements aimed at making Napier more accessible include installing concrete pathways, handrails and other accessible features from the Tom Parker Fountain down to the Marine Parade walkway and into the Sunken Gardens. There will also be an improved pathway to the new BBQ area at Ahuriri Beach. These are earmarked for 2023/24.
To report misuse of a mobility carpark, phone 06 835 7579 or email info@napier.govt.nz
