Call for Shropshire Council to make car park spaces bigger - here's why
Shropshire Council has been asked if it will consider having larger car park spaces.
Councillor Beverley Waite (Lib Dems, Ludlow East) highlighted that cars are increasing in size, and large spaces, particularly for those with babies and young children, are commonplace in supermarket car parks.
“I understand that there would be a revenue implication for such a measure, but I am concerned that residents with young families are being unfairly treated,” said Councillor Waite.
In response, Councillor Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council portfolio holder for transport and economic growth, said “car bloat” is a well-recognised phenomenon.
“Last year, it was reported that the average width of a new car in the EU and UK passed 180cm in the first half of 2023, having grown an average of 0.5cm each year since 2001,” said Councillor Wilson.
“As a father of young children, I am well aware of the difficulties this presents, however, there is no simple solution. Disabled bays in car parks are regulated by blue badges, but there is no equivalent for young families.
“Supermarkets are on private land, so are subject to different rules to a local authority. This means that the council would be unable to enforce such a scheme. Also, there would be a revenue implication for the council, and in the current financial situation this would be very difficult to resolve.”
Councillor Waite then said that if the council was to consider the proposal as a trial, she would like it to be in one of the car parks in Ludlow.
“We have a lot of young families moving in, and there is a petition growing in Ludlow regarding this actual problem,” she said.
Councillor Wilson said he would be very happy to arrange for Councillor Waite to meet with relevant officers to see if it will be possible.
