Town seeking Blue Badge changes

Representatives of local disability groups are to be consulted in Surrey on a council's plans to review parking arrangements in its car parks. With the installation of pay-on-foot technology in car parks, Woking Borough Council wants to charge Blue Badge holders who use the off-street parking.

This will require drivers to pay for their parking on return not on arrival. Up until now badge holders were not included in the charging arrangements, regardless of their ability to pay. Other authorities, including Guildford and Spelthorne, already charge holders.

The pay-on-foot machines have been installed in the shoppers' and Brewery Road car parks in Woking. As part of refurbishment plans, the bays for Blue Badge holders will be improved and moved to locations within the car parks that are more convenient for disabled visitors.

The council proposes to phase in the charging arrangements and, through consultation, address the needs of those that require access to the off-street car parks but do not have the ability to pay.

Free facilities for badge holders will still be available for those using on-street parking in the town.