Disabled people may be in for a case of the parking blues, but one they should welcome, with a proposal to trial a new colour for disabled parking in Oamaru.
The Waitaki District Council is planning to repaint two yellow-coloured disability parks in central Oamaru royal blue, the internationally recognised colour for parking areas restricted to disabled people.
Council assets group manager Neil Jorgensen said on Tuesday the two parks in the trial were outside the Oamaru Library-North Otago Museum and the post office in Coquet St.
Weather permitting, he expected the new paint scheme to be completed by the end of next month.
That was welcomed by CCS Disability Action Waitaki, which said the Waitaki council would be leading other councils in the lower South Island by trialling blue-coloured disability parks.
CCS Disability Waitaki branch team leader Diane Talanoa said the organisation had suggested the idea in its submissions on the council's 2010-11 draft annual plan.
"We are thrilled it has approved the trial because it [the new colour] does make a difference."
She praised the council for its willingness to consult on disability access, which helped disabled people take an active part in community life.
