Plans to restore free parking for Blue Badge holders

Free parking for Blue Badge holders could return to Wiltshire Council-run car parks under plans being put forward by the ruling Liberal Democrat administration.

The move aims to restore the scheme ended by the previous Conservative-led council in 2022. The cost of reinstating free parking is estimated at around £40,000 per year.

Westbury Councillor Gordon King, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said the previous decision had caused difficulties for many disabled motorists, particularly elderly and disadvantaged residents.

“The former Conservative administration’s decision to end free disabled parking in council-owned car parks was always seen as discriminatory,” he said. “It forced many physically impaired motorists to park on double yellow lines, often outside the central business area of towns. This had the effect of making journeys difficult as many struggled to get out of their vehicles and unload mobility equipment in heavy traffic.

“Many, fearing accident or injury elected to abandon their cars and stay home denying them the compassion of contact with friends and fellow shoppers.

“The Conservative argument that banning free disabled parking was an obvious budget saving even if that meant inconveniencing a few. They did that knowing that the council could not calculate or prove the savings because they never counted or recorded the use of a car parking of Blue Badge holders.

“Now that we (the Liberal Democrats) form the administration, we are determined to right this wrong and restore free parking for those who need it most.”

Cllr King added that the proposal must first be considered by cabinet and then full council. “Because this policy was originally agreed by council, only council can change it. We are a minority administration, but we will fight hard to win the support of a majority and correct this unfairness.”

The proposal will be voted on by full council in October.

Pictured Cllr Gordon King