Wiltshire Council to charge Blue Badge holders for parking

Blue Badge holders will now have to pay in council car parks

People with disabilities will have to pay for parking in Wiltshire as the council brings in changes to costs.

Wiltshire Council has confirmed Blue Badge holders - individuals who would usually qualify for free parking - will be charged to use council car parks.

For all other drivers, parking has increased since April by 10p more per hour - after four years of no changes.

The council said the "difficult decision" had allowed them to provide "vital services" in Wiltshire.

Wiltshire Council confirmed the changes to the blue badge holders would come into effect from 1 September.

The council say these changes are necessary to reinvest in parking and other services

They were agreed by the council in February, as part of the budget-making process for the financial year 2022-23.

Other changes included the removal of free parking at Castle Combe car park, and an increase in costs for parking season tickets.

Inflation levels

Dr Mark McClelland, cabinet member for transport, said: "These changes were agreed in February as part of our budget-making process to help us better reflect current inflation levels.

"It was a difficult decision, but we have not increased parking charges in four years, and we have no intention of doing so again in the next four years."

As part of the consultation process for these changes, the council received 389 responses from members of the public.

"These changes, which are evidence-based as set out in our business plan, will enable us to continue to invest in both parking and vital services in Wiltshire."