RESIDENTS’ calls to tackle vehicles using Dorridge Park at night should be refused because of “health and safety” and “diversity”, a council boss said.
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Homeowners in Arden Road, Arden Drive and Aspley Grove want Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council to lock cars in the car park at closing time.
Currently, the gates are left open if there are cars in the car park, at the end of Arden Road. This happened ten times in 2010.
A council report said: “The council is legally within its rights to lock vehicles in car parks.
“However, there are a number of health and safety implications as a result of locking vehicles within park car parks, particularly with regards to the remote locations, lack of lighting, access to nearby public services and the ability to contact help if required.
“Furthermore, it is imperative that the council consider the diversity of park users and the impact of preventing park users such as the elderly, parents with young children and people with disabilities from leaving the park in their vehicle.”
A residents’ petition with 16 signatures said police supported locking cars in the car park.
It said some youths had “become wise” to the council’s policy to leave the gates open if there are cars inside.
It said they “on several occassions appear to have abandoned their cars in the car park around lock-up time to ensure that the gates are left open all night”.
It says residents fear the car park will become a “playground for youths and more worryingly a potential crime spot”.
But the council report, by director of places Chris Barr, said reported anti-social behaviour is “low” in the park, with six cases in 2010. It recommended not locking in cars.
And it said one way flow plates, which let cars out but not in when activated, were not an option because of “health and safety issues” and the £1,600 cost.
It said inbound drivers might not see them and damage their cars and plates presented a “trip hazard” to pedestrians because of low lighting.
Yet the report says the council should look at locking the gates are more specific times. Residents requested 5pm in the summer and 8pm at winter.
Currently, gates are locked after these times. The council report says there is “scope” to meet a request to add to signage about opening times.
It said the council should would work with residents to record and monitor vehicle details to identify trends and work closer with police.
Tom Hodgson, the cabinet member for environment will be consider the recommendations at a meeting at the council’s offices, next to Touchwood, on Tuesday at 6pm. The public are welcome to attend.
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