Welshpool set to introduce Blue Badge parking fees

Blue Badge holders will need to pay to park in pay and display council car parks from next month, but there are concerns that the facilities aren’t ready.

Montgomeryshire MS, Russell George, has questioned if Powys County Council has adequately addressed concerns that that some Blue Badge holders may not be able to access car parking meters due to their disability.

Mr George said he has been contacted by constituents with disabilities who have expressed frustration about the changes which are to be implemented next month.

Residents have told him that they will no longer visit town centres when the charges are implemented.

The decision to remove free parking for drivers with disabilities was approved as part of Powys County Council’s budget and car parking strategy earlier this year.

Mr George has also asked the Council to provide a cost-benefit breakdown, specifically the cost of adapting parking meters for wheelchair accessibility versus the projected revenue from charging Blue Badge holders.

He has also pressed the Council for clarity on how it intends to communicate the new charges to Blue Badge holders to avoid confusion and prevent fines being unfairly issued once the new charges come into effect.

He said that the decision to charge drivers who have disabilities stands in contrast to the approach taken by many other councils across Wales, where Blue Badge holders are exempt to support inclusive access and economic participation. 

Mr George said: “I am deeply concerned about the direct impact of introducing parking charges for people with disabilities and Blue Badge holders.

“The Council must set out if they are satisfied that those who use parking facilities that have a disability, are able to access car parking meters to purchase a parking ticket, once the new charges for disabled people come into force next month.

“It is also important to understand whether the cost of making parking ticket meters accessible has been fully weighed against the revenue expected from Blue Badge holders, many of whom have limited transport options.

“The Council must at the very least ensure that Blue Badge holders are properly informed. No one should be hit with a parking fine because they were unaware of the change.”