By Local Democracy Reporter Peter Davison
Parking for Blue Badge holders in council-run car parks in Wiltshire will be free – if the Liberal Democrat administration can get the idea past its political rivals.
In 2022 the Conservative administration ended free parking for Blue Badge holders in its car parks.
As a concession, they offered people with disabilities, or those who have a health condition that makes it difficult to walk, an extra hour to get back to their cars after the period for which they had paid expired.
In their pre-election manifesto, the Lib Dems promised a return of free parking for Blue Badge holders.
But with numbers tight they will need to rely on the backing of independents, Conservative or Reform UK councillors, or the sole Labour councillor to push the motion through.
It is anticipated that the move will cost around £40,000 a year in lost parking revenue.
There are several Wiltshire Council-run car parks in Warminster including Station Road and Weymouth Street.
Cllr Ian Thorn, leader of Wiltshire Council, said, “We believe that parking for Blue Badge holders should be free in Wiltshire Council car parks.
“Free parking helps to remove barriers to independence and mobility for disabled people.
“Many face additional costs and challenges in daily life, and free parking helps to ensure fair access to essential services.
“In 2022, the council ended free parking for Blue Badge holders in all council-operated car parks, although free on-street parking was retained and remains in place today.
“Currently, Blue Badge holders are required to pay for parking in council car parks but benefit from a one-hour grace period beyond the expiry of their ticket.
“We are proposing to reverse this decision and reintroduce free parking for Blue Badge holders in council-operated car parks.
“It is estimated that this will cost £40,000 per year, but we believe that is well worth it to ensure disabled people can shop and access services.
“If the proposal is approved by Full Council in October, free parking for Blue Badge holders will be reinstated as soon as signage across all council car parks has been updated.
“We will ensure that this change is clearly communicated to the public.”
Picture credit: Jakub Pabis at Pexels
