Consultation in the New Year about car parking for Blue Badge holders

Councillor Nicholas Bennett, Executive Councillor for Transport, Highways and Road Safety said, ” The national blue badge scheme specifically excludes car parks from automatic free parking but consultation about this proposal will take place in the New Year as part of our equalities impact assessment before a decision is taken. There is no question that Blue Badge holders will not be prioritised, with guidance for on-street parking remaining unchanged, in line with legislation. Some councils do not offer free parking in car parks already and whilst the proposal would see charges in car parks, prioritised parking for badge holders would continue.”

Councillor Bennett added, “There are many costs of running a car for all of us, including fuel and the like, with parking charges part of this. The council faces a deficit of £60m by 2028 and will be bankrupt if we do not take urgent action. The car parks have to be maintained and it is right that those who use them should bear the cost rather than the many council taxpayers who cannot afford a car. We have probably the lowest car park charges in London ranging from 60p an hour to £1.60p an hour. In any case, I will not pre-empt the outcome of the consultation and the related EIA but we will continue to prioritise parking for Blue Badge holders and it is right we do.”