Olive branch offered to Shropshire's disabled drivers
Disabled drivers angry at being charged to use council car parks in Shropshire were today offered an olive branch after officials announced they can park for an extra hour for free. Disabled drivers angry at being charged to use council car parks in Shropshire were today offered an olive branch after officials announced they can park for an extra hour for free. A recent shake-up of car park charges meant disabled drivers were being asked to pay the same as other motorists, which campaigners claimed was at odds with Equalities Act legislation. But now Shropshire Council bosses have backed down and agreed to the concession on a temporary basis while a full review of disabled charging on its car parks across the whole county takes place. Full report in today's Shropshire Star [24link]
Currently all motorists qualify for one hour's free parking on selected car parks, but there are no exemptions from charging for blue badge holders.
Campaigners today welcomed the news, which comes just days after one blue badge holder threatened to take direct action by launching a protest.
Benefits
The un-named driver had vowed to park at Wem's main car park without paying, claiming the charges could affect his entitlement to state benefits.
In a letter to Shirehall chiefs Keith Wood, from North Salop Wheelers Advocacy, which represents users of a community bus scheme in rural north Shropshire, said angry blue badge holders were ready to take direct action unless disabled charging was reviewed.
His letter had claimed Shropshire Council was breaching the Equalities Act by treating 'disabled people less favourably purely because they are disabled'.
John Harrison, from North Salop Wheelers community bus service, which is associated with the NSW advocacy group, today said many of his passengers who were affected by the new car park charges would welcome the move and news of the review by Shirehall.
He said: "Some of our users have been affected by these changes so I think it's very good step forward.
"I hope the consultation results in Shropshire Council complying with the law of the land and not putting disabled people in a very difficult position."
He added councils in Oldham, Norfolk and Lincolnshire made a U-turn when threatened with legal action for alleged breaches of the new Equalities Act.
Shirehall said a consultation letter outlining the proposals is being sent to stakeholders and town councils in Shropshire.
Councillor Simon Jones, Shropshire Council cabinet member for transport, said: "Whilst we are in the consultation on our proposals, we are allowing this extra time to blue badge holders, as we recognise that many users need additional time to carry out activities.
"Once we have had feedback on the proposals we will make the formal changes considered necessary."