Plymouth City Council has unveiled new parking spaces designed specifically for people caring for those with dementia.
Thought to be the first of their kind in the UK, the ‘dementia friendly’ parking spaces have been introduced in two car parks across the city.
The spaces are on entry level and are close to the ticket machines and pedestrian exits and CCTV coverage in case of any problems. Parking staff have also received special training to help understand the parking frustrations faced by carers.
Plymouth takes pride in new 'dementia friendly'
A spokesman for the council told Transport Network that the new dementia friendly spaces are in the blue badge area of the car parks, but those suffering from dementia, who do not hold a blue badge permit, would still be allowed to park there.
'This is a courtesy service. We are not going to enforce it or patrol it. Parking in Plymouth is not about tickets or fines, it's about helping all sections of our community, especially those who are vulnerable or might feel they have been excluded,' he said.
Dementia sufferers do not automatically qualify for blue badges. The Alzheimer's Society has previously raised concerns 'that a significant number of people with dementia who would be appropriate for blue badges are currently being excluded'.
Cllr Ian Tuffin, the council’s cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: ‘The council welcomes this suggestion from the public to improve our dementia friendly city awareness and improve our services in this way.
‘As a council we are committed to working with our partners to help Plymouth to become a more Dementia Friendly city.’
Plymouth has already been recognised by the Alzheimer’s Society for its work to become dementia friendly. The Dementia Friendly Plymouth initiative is co-ordinated by a partnership of Plymouth City Council and the Plymouth Dementia Action Alliance (PDAA).
The council made changes to signage and allocated two designated ‘dementia friendly’ spaces in both Western Approach and Theatre Royal car parks.
The spaces are on entry level, close to the ticket machines and pedestrian exits.
Staff in the parking team also have an increased understanding of dementia after attending awareness sessions over the past few months, the council said.
At present, there are over 3,000 people with a diagnosis of dementia living in Plymouth this figure is predicted to rise to approximately 3600 by 2020.
