Welsh Conservative Regional AM Dr Altaf Hussain has condemned proposals by Bridgend County Borough Council to begin charging ‘blue badge’ holders for parking as an “attack on the disabled”.
The Council is inviting members of the public to share their views on the proposal to charge the same price to all members of the public in council-run pay and display car parks in – including blue badge holders. As part of the proposal, blue badge holders will also be provided with an additional hour free of charge on top of the time that they pay for, as well as an increase in allocated blue-badge bays.
Dr Hussain said: “Coming on the back of much discussion as to how we can improve our Town Centre in Bridgend, charging people with disabilities for the use of council-run car parks sends completely the wrong signal. The move seems to target a group that includes some of the most vulnerable in society, and will be viewed by many as a pretty cynical attack on the disabled.
“Coupled with the closure of a number of public toilet facilities, it all adds up to an impression that Bridgend Town Centre is not disabled-friendly. McArthur Glen, by contrast, has free parking for all and excellent toilet facilities.
“I don’t think that offering an extra hour on top will make any significant difference, especially when people have already been asked to pay more.
“I urge anyone that wants our Town Centre to thrive to join me in opposing this proposal. The public need to send back a resounding signal that it simply isn’t acceptable”.
The deadline for the Council to receive responses from the public under the Consultation is the 18th of December.
ENDS