Disabled drivers plan protest at Shropshire parking fees
Thursday 6th October 2011, 11:28AM BST.
Disabled campaigners angry at being charged to use Shropshire Council car parks have vowed to take direct action against the controversial new fees.
Campaigners said a blue badge holder is ready to protest at Wem’s main car park on Monday by parking without paying to do so.
The move would fly in the face of Shirehall’s new charging regime, which many disabled drivers claim is unfair and contrary to Equalities Act legislation.
Since April all drivers have had to pay to park on the town’s main car park for more than one hour.
Disabled drivers have criticised the charges because, although there is free parking for the first hour, many said it is not long enough for people with limited mobility to do their shopping.
Shropshire Council spokesman Simon Alton said the authority was currently reviewing charges for blue badge holders.
In a letter to Shirehall chiefs Keith Wood, from North Salop Wheelers Advocacy said angry blue badge holders were ready to take direct action unless officials were prepared to hold talks on reviewing charging.
He said: “Despite assurances of talks the Shropshire Council continue to prevaricate.
“In so doing the council continues to offend under the Equalities Act, and continues to treat disabled people less favourably purely because they are disabled.”
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People are given blue badges because they are disabled, not because they are poor.
They should pay just like everyone else. Thats what I would deem as equality.
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The disabled drivers’ can park on the nearest double yellow line for free so where’s the problem?
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I hope Mr/Mrs Protester has their money saved ready to pay the parking fine they are due to get.
Just pay for the parking like the rest of us have to (thats equality!) and stop moaning!!!!!
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Am I missing something? Why would anyone be exempt from paying to park?
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If we live in a society where people are treated equally and not discriminated against, then why do the disabled expect to park for free.
They are given a blue badge to make it easier for them to park, but why on gods earth should they also be entitled to free parking. This annoys me chronically as whilst they say they dont want to be discriminated against because they have a disability, but it seems they only want to be equal when it suits them.
They should be made to pay like the rest of us, and its ridiculous that they think they shouldn’t
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Hear Hear!
I myself am disabled, however do not have a problem paying to park the same as everyone else does. Not ALL disabled folk expect freebies.
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Agree with the other commentators.
Welcome to equality: now pay your way.
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As people with disabilities would say ,”I will be equal and pay for parking as long as you be equal and share my disability”.
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Sure, as long as I get my free mobility car & disability benefits!
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What rot!
So disabled people are so consumed with bitterness that they wish harm upon all others?
Grow up!
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As a disabled driver myself i have to first get out into wheelchair then get to paypoints which are very awkward to get close to, therefore unless i have someone to go with me wem is a no no. I dont mind paying but need to be able to get to machines.
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Well Shropshire you will lose out, no longer will I use your shops, when they all close and no income for the councillors over generous expenses. Will the council be reducing their allowances which they claim including parking fees?
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If you have so much money that moving your custom elsewhere will bring on a county wide recession then I suggest you start coughing up…
What is it with these people?
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Waking around in Shrewsbury I have seen blue badges on Sports cars , top of the range 4x4s BMW’S. JAG’S, MERC’S, hardly the type of vehicle that the owners can’t afford to pay parking charges.
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I don’t think paying for parking is the real issue.
What is more annoying is the increasing number of non blue badge holders parking in the designated blue badge spaces. Folk who get quite aggressive when you point this out to them.
Also people missusing the blue badges, parking in a blue badge space when the blue badge holder is not in the car. It is not within the rules to use the space if you are running an errand for the blue badge holder!!
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i have no sympathy with the disabled drivers. blue badged drivers have paid for their parking in devon for at least 10 years. yes they are lucky to have blue badges to park on double yellow lines etc, but with the country and county in dire financial straits, we are all in it together and blue badge holders should pay their share as well. well done backward council for catching up with devon etc.
council need all the money they can raise at the moment ans as long as our money is not squandered, they may receive our support.
may i suggest the elderly and infirm pay up , belt up and disapear amongst the crowd of other motorists trying to park, at least they have dedicated bays. no sympathy at all, pay up
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Ok Monkey, you get the car etc and my disability..and I get your health. I don’t want free parking, just ignorant people to realise that not every disabled person is scrounging. I work very hard even with a disability. People with your opinion should “hobble a mile in my shoes” and then spout off!
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