5. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport: Tackling Pavement Parking

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:36 pm on 13 October 2020.

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Photo of Huw Irranca-Davies Huw Irranca-Davies Labour 5:36, 13 October 2020

Minister, can I genuinely say that I really welcome this and the actions that flow from it? In the nearly 20 years that I have been a representative here in Ogmore, this has grown and grown year after year in my constituency. I think that you are right in focusing on two aspects. One is a pragmatic way forward that works with local authorities, works with local communities and, I have to say, with organisations on the ground as well, like the Bridgend coalition of disabled people, in order to find solutions. But, the other thing is this massive need for behavioural change as well, and that, I have to say, is a mountain to do. When you look at, as has been mentioned, terraced houses in communities in my valley, which were not designed to have a car outside and now have possibly one or two cars, or possibly a trailer and a works van as well, that's the scale of the challenge that we have. It's for you and me and others to stand with people and explain that we can do this in a different way.

So, can I ask him to expand on how he sees this working in engagement with local communities, local residents, local interest groups, including those groups of visually impaired and people who have mobility issues, local parents and children and toddlers, as well as residents and the local authority, to make sure that it's a bespoke arrangement for every street and every community, and not simply a hammer to crack the same nut on every street?