DAME Judi Dench is backing a campaign to reverse the ban on blue badge holders from streets in York city centre.
The Oscar-winning actress, who comes from York, told The Press the city centre was a “rare jewel that should be free for all to enjoy, including those with a disability and for whom accessible parking is essential.”
Dame Judi, who has the eye condition age-related macular degeneration, told the paper: “As someone living with sight loss, I know only too well how gaining access to places can be exceptionally difficult.
“York city centre should be fully accessible through these types of schemes. I should like to offer my wholehearted support to people in the City of York who are asking the local council to reconsider any ban to the blue badge scheme in the city centre.”
The BBC reported that blue badge access was removed during the Covid pandemic to allow visitors to socially distance on the historic city’s narrow streets. A permanent ban on disabled parking in pedestrianised areas of York was introduced in November 2021with City of York Council saying it was necessary to allow anti-terror defences to be installed to protect visitors and shoppers.
The council had agreed to improve accessibility with more city centre seating and expanded provision of mobility aids. However a recent meeting heard many of the measures had yet to be introduced.
The Press said Dame Judi joins a growing list of well-known figures that want a reversal of the ban.
It reported Professor Tom Shakespeare CBE, disability activist, academic, and regular presenter on BBC Radio 4 including Point of View, saying: “Disabled people are a part of society – the time to end the discrimination that prevents us playing a full part in the life of the city is long overdue.”
In addition paralympian and University of York graduate Beth Moulam, who is reliant on a wheelchair accessible van and essential communication technology that needs to be kept dry, said: “Having a blue badge is not a perk or a luxury in life for me.
“And in the case of my gran, she can only walk short distances on even surfaces with a walking frame. Sadly, York’s policy has made our home city a no go area for us both.”
The Press also quoted Stephen Miller, MBE, founder of SMILE Through Sport, paralympian, speaker and writer, saying: “As an electric wheelchair user, I know how difficult transport can be. Being able to travel by car and park near destinations is essential for many disabled people to be able to get out and access towns and cities.
“I urge the City of York Council to rethink their strategy and make provisions for disabled people to be able to access the city centre by car. We should be empowering disabled people to be an active part of society, not putting barriers in the way.”
