Confusion over end to free blue badge parking

Blue badge holders will have to pay for parking, but not yet we can confirm after a reader said he had clashed with a traffic warden over the issue this week.

The reader told us that he was told to pay in Welshpool this week by a traffic warden, and asked us to warn fellow users who “may also get caught out”.

But we spoke with Powys County Council this morning who confirmed that the decision had indeed been made to end free parking for blue badge holders in disabled bays at their public car parks, but it could be a month or so away yet.

“The introduction of the blue badge concession charging was agreed by full council as part of the council's medium-term financial strategy 2024-2029,” a Powys spokesperson told us.

“However, the implementation date has yet to be confirmed. Before being brought into place later this year, the council will ensure that any changes to the Blue Badge concession are publicised and all signage updated.

“Unfortunately, it looks as though the case in Welshpool is down to some mixed messaging, and we will ensure that all staff, including the civil enforcement officers, are informed of the current situation immediately.”

Our reader described the introduction as “just another backhanded blow to those who need to park in town and will just promote more on-street parking”.

An insider at Powys told us that they will be implementing the charges probably in mid-May.