Car parks upgraded for Blue Badge holders in Derbyshire

Charging motorists who hold a disabled badge was part of a wide-ranging car parks review undertaken by the District Council in 2013, involving a full consultation with local residents.

A District Council spokesperson said: “The Blue Badge Scheme provides for motorists who have disabilities that impair mobility - it is not intended to provide financial assistance in respect of parking and is not means tested.

“The District Council does however recognise that disabled people require special provision in our car parks, which is why last year, guided by the Derbyshire Coalition for Inclusive Living, we invested significantly to make adjustments in our car parks for the benefit of disabled users, increasing the number of designated spaces and installed new accessible pay points.

“We also believe it is fair that disabled people get an extra hour over and above the time period they pay for, to give them extra time to get to and from their vehicle.”