Blue Badge holders will now have to pay to use previously free council-owned car parks in one part of Kent if intending to stay longer than three hours.
MSN reported that the decision has drawn opposition from motorists who branded it “short-sighted” and a “disappointment” for disabled people working and living in Gravesend.
MSN said Kent Online had quoted one driver who can’t walk unaided as a result of breaking a foot and a leg in an accident.
They added that as a Blue Badge holder the driver had previously been able to use Gravesham council’s car parks free of charge. As a result of the change, which takes effect on June 30th, disabled drivers will incur a charge if they stay for more than three hours.
According to Kent Online the driver faces paying £8 a day or using another car park which is cheaper but further away.
The driver told Kent Online: “This policy punishes those of us who are simply trying to live and work with dignity. It is not just about convenience – it is about safety, independence, and social inclusion.
“Disabled individuals already face disproportionate levels of loneliness, isolation, and barriers to employment. This decision by the council only compounds those challenges.”
The founder of a health and fitness clinic in the town told the media that the decision will impact many of his patients who are disabled or elderly and rely on accessible parking to attend appointments. He warned that it may deter people from accessing healthcare, but also discourage them from socialising or participating in community life.
He said: “From a social, ethical, and even economic standpoint, this policy is damaging. We urge the council to consult with the disabled community and healthcare professionals before pushing forward with policies that are so clearly not in the public interest.
“We tend to find that the most vulnerable people in society will build their lives around any bit of help they are offered, like free car parking. When that is taken away, it causes a huge inconvenience.”
A spokesperson for Gravesham council told the media they recognised that using cheaper car parks “may not be feasible” but there are several on-street parking spots and areas that could be used as an alternative.
They added there are also dedicated bays for disabled motorists, as well as permit areas and pay-and-display areas closer to the town centre.
The spokesperson said the Department for Transport (DfT) sets on-street parking concessions and they are the same across the country.