TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES
EXPANSION OF SHOPMOBILITY STORAGE AREA
AT PIER ROAD CAR PARK
Purpose of the Report
To request the Minister to approve a request from Shopmobility to extend their existing storage area at Pier Road Car Park.
Discussion
Shopmobility have been operating from Sand Street Car Park since 2005 and a storage area was created in Pier Road Car Park in 2008 to enable them to meet the increased demand for powered scooters, powered chairs and standard wheelchairs. The initial £65,000 cost of providing the Sand Street facilities and the subsequent cost of £20,000 for the Pier Road facilities was met by Transport and Technical Services.
When Shopmobility first launched they were operating ten powered scooters, two powered chairs and six wheelchairs. They now operate 93 scooters, 10 power chairs and 47 wheelchairs and have 650 individual users registered in Jersey. They also had 4,840 hire transactions during 2012.
There was a verbal understanding when the Pier Road store was built that in the event that further expansion was necessary, an additional two car parking spaces would be made available adjacent to the existing store. The need for additional storage reflects the increase in demand for the service Shopmobility provide.
Shopmobility have agreed to meet the cost of this extension if approved so there would be no cost to the Car Park Trading Account. The loss of the two additional spaces will not have an impact on the Car Park Trading Account either as Pier Road Car Park is not used to capacity and there are always spaces available.
Recommendations
The Minister is recommended to approve the request from Shopmobility to extend their existing storage area in Pier Road Car Park on the basis that the costs for the building works are met by Shopmobility.
Reason(s) for Decision
To enable Shopmobility to continue to expand and provide a valuable service to the public, many of whom have restricted mobility and rely on this service to provide them with access to St Helier.
Resource implications
Transport and Technical Services Department Nil. Shopmobility £2,000
Action Required
To advise Shopmobility of the Minister’s decision.
Written by: Assistant Manager Parking Control
Approved by: Director of Transport