Ruleset for Blue Badge Parking Space Provision in St Helier, Jersey

Parking Perspectives worked with the government of Jersey to define a policy for the level and location of parking for blue badge holders (‘disabled bays’) in St Helier.

The government’s transport policy includes mobility and parking hierarchies with blue badge holders at the top. But only limited space is available in busy town centre streets that also need to accommodate a range of needs to allow the town centre to function. Hence there is a need to identify the best level of access that can be achieved for blue badge holders, balanced with serving other needs.

Stage 1

Parking Perspectives developed a practical set of policy rules that balance key user needs and other policy goals.

The ruleset covers both proximity (being able to park close to destination) and availability (a space being available on arrival).

We worked with government officers representing a range of teams and user needs to agree the approach.

The proximity standard starts from existing guidance about acceptable walking distances from destinations. The availability standard is based on the likelihood of a space being available when the driver arrives. Both elements then include a sequence of steps for considering potential changes to kerbspace allocation where the standard is not currently met. These steps take account of other practical needs such as loading or bus stops.

Stage 2

The second stage of the project was to test the practical application of the ruleset, by using it to assess the current provision of spaces and identify any gaps.

For the proximity measure, we used a geographic information system (GIS) to efficiently determine how well the existing level of coverage met the desired standard. Intuitive colour-coded maps showed the findings and helped to support discussion.

For the availability measure, we carried out parking beat surveys to give up-to-date occupancy data across the town centre. Again our intuitive maps clearly set out the results and the areas of most pressure.

With these data, we assessed current performance against the ruleset and identified the main gaps in provision. We developed, with government officers, a staged approach to addressing these gaps

The ruleset will thus enable the government to identify and address gaps in provision, and to revise exiting provision subject to maintaining compliance. This in turn will improve how citizens’ needs are met and support the continued vitality of the town centre.

Client: Government of Jersey
September 2025