Wiltshire Lib Dems push for return of free Blue Badge parking
Blue Badge holders have had to pay for parking in Council run car parks since 2022
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.
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.”
There are over 30,000 Blue Badge holders in Wiltshire, according to the latest statistics.
A Blue Badge may only be used when the badge holder is driving or being transported in the vehicle.
Blue Badges are valid for three years, after which the holder must apply for a new permit.
Drivers from outside the county – and from outside the UK if their country of residence has its own scheme – can use their Blue Badge in Wiltshire.
Blue Badge holders can generally park on single and double yellow lines for up to three hours, but not where there are restrictions on loading and unloading.
Badge holders can park for free, for as long as they wish, in on-street parking spaces governed by parking metres or pay and display machines.
Off-street car park operators should provide parking spaces for disabled people. However, it is up to the car park owner to decide whether badge holders can park free of charge.
In council-run car parks, rules differ from council to council.