Many readers reacted angrily to our recent story about Powys County Council’s proposal to introduce parking charges for blue badge holders, and now the authority has extended the consultation period due to demand.
Residents will now have until July 16 to make their views known on the proposal, a two-week extension to ensure that everyone can have their say.
Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “This consultation has created a lot of public interest across the county so I have decided to extend it by an extra two weeks to give people more time to submit their views.
“This is a very difficult time for the council and difficult decisions have to be made. We fully recognise that blue badge holders do have mobility issues and need extra time to park and shop.
“Our preferred option is that a blue badge holder pays towards parking but they will get extra time for free. So, if a blue badge holder pays for two hours, they would actually get three hours parking in total.
“I urge those who blue badge holders, their family members or anyone else to take advantage of the extension. It is important that they make their views known by 5pm on Monday, July 16.”
Currently, blue badge holders can park all day for free at council owned and operated pay and display car parks. However, as part of the council’s efforts to save £8.5m this financial year, the service is proposing to change this concession to help meet a saving target of £100,000.
The options on the table:
· No concession applies. Blue badge holders pay the same amount as anyone else
· Blue badge holders who park in a disabled bay park for free. Those who cannot find a disabled bay have to pay to park with no additional concession
· Blue badge holders pay towards parking but get an extra hour for free on top of the time chosen.
· Blue badge holders continue to park for free. The £100,000 savings target should be found from somewhere else.
To take part in the consultation visit www.powys.gov.uk/haveyoursay or request and return a paper copy via their local library.