Free parking for blue badge holders to return

There are about 30,000 blue badge holders across Wiltshire

Disability campaigners are celebrating after free parking in council-owned car parks has been reinstated for blue badge holders.

Wiltshire Council's decision, which comes into force in November, was approved on Tuesday.

Wheelchair user Emily Pomroy-Smith said the parking charges, introduced in 2022 by the Conservative administration, had been "regressive" and "put a barrier in place" for disabled and elderly people.

Councillor Ian Thorn, council leader, described the move as an "excellent step forward", adding they have heard and responded to people with disabilities.

Since 2022, Ms Pomroy-Smith has had to pay for parking whenever she attends GP appointments in Bradford-on-Avon, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Ms Pomroy-Smith said removing the charges would help to break down barriers

She said the majority of Wiltshire's 30,000 badge holders were elderly, which often means they have to attend more GP appointments or therapies.

"This is about breaking down barriers and making sure disabled people have equal access to their communities.

"For me, as a blue badge holder, it enables me to participate, enables me to be a contributing member of society," Ms Pomroy-Smith added.

Kez Adey, founder of Disability Interest Group of Salisbury, says free parking for blue badge users will support town centres

Kez Adey, founder of Disability Interest Group of Salisbury, also attended the meeting and stressed: "Disabled people just want to be treated like humans."

She added blue badge holders can help support high streets, adding "towns will die" without them.

The meeting was told the move would cost the council about £40,000 a year.