Free parking for blue badge holders set to return

The decision will be put to a vote of the full council later in October

Free parking in council car parks could soon be reinstated for blue badge holders, with a final decision to be made later in the month.

Wiltshire Council's previous Conservative administration ended the free parking scheme in September 2022 as a budgetary measure. It retained free on-street parking for blue badge holders.

The council's cabinet provisionally agreed to reverse the decision earlier, with the proposals set to go before full council on 21 October.

Councillor Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways, said he was "very pleased" the policy had been given the initial go-ahead, as it would "make Wiltshire a more equitable and accessible place for everyone".

Wiltshire Council's Liberal Democrats included the plans to reinstate the scheme in their pre-election manifesto, but need the backing of other councillors to push the motion through at the full council meeting.

More than 30,000 people hold blue badges in the county. They are currently required to pay for parking but are granted a one-hour grace period beyond the expiry of their ticket.

Conditions which make you eligible for a blue badge include being "unable to walk more than 50 metres, being registered blind, receiving a war pensioner's mobility supplement, or having a permanent and substantial disability".

Mr Smith said there was "a strong correlation between blue badge holders and lower levels of income" and added that many holders did not drive or own a vehicle themselves, often relying on family, friends, or carers for transport.

"This policy promotes fairness, independence and inclusion, while helping to improve the lives of people with disabilities," he added.