Proposal for new disabled driving centre on Rhyl's promenade

Retired lecturer Noel Martin, a resident of the town, has sent a business case to Denbighshire County Council’s chief executive, Helen White, outlining his proposal, which he thinks would be suitable on the town’s promenade.

Mr Martin said he hopes such a centre would “give disabled people a chance,” and for them to “be able to start off safely” behind the wheel.

In his email to Ms White, he wrote: “There is an area of car park adjacent to the 1891 restaurant which is gated off and, from my observations, is rarely used.

“This site could be ideal for the proposal outlined in my submission. Should the Pavilion Theatre or other local events require additional parking, the area could still be made readily accessible for that purpose.”

Ms White’s reply to Mr Martin, shown to the Journal, stated that she is “happy to consider this” and will “speak to the relevant colleagues”.

Currently, the nearest such venue is at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd’s Disability Resource Centre in Bodelwyddan.

The four other disabled driving centres in Wales are either in Mid or South Wales, though.

Mr Martin said: “Denbighshire has a mix of urban, rural, and coastal communities where access to reliable transport is essential.

“Many disabled residents face significant barriers to independent travel due to limited public transport connectivity, lack of accessible or adapted driving instruction locally, higher costs associated with learning to drive with a disability, or lack of local disabled employment.

“For disabled residents, particularly young people and working-age adults, the ability to drive can be a decisive factor in accessing employment, education, health services, and community life.

“Without council-led support or partnership provision, disabled residents are disproportionately excluded from learning to drive, employment and training opportunities are restricted, and social isolation and dependency increase.”

Mr Martin added that he thinks such a facility, in an off-road setting, would help increase disabled people’s confidence driving, and could reduce their reliance on public transport.

He said the project only requires a small, disused plot of land on which to simulate the conditions of road hazards, parking and manoeuvring.

“The opportunity to have a safe environment for disabled people, including youngsters, to learn to drive safely, will expand their prospects for life,” he added.

“Supporting disabled learner drivers is a practical, achievable intervention that delivers long-term social and economic benefits for Denbighshire.

“It addresses transport inequality, promotes independence, and supports the council’s statutory duties and wellbeing objectives.”