Extra hour for blue badge holders

Drivers with disabilities who hold a blue badge for parking can now park for an extra hour, while Shropshire Council reviews the charging structure for blue badge holders.
 
The council is in the process of reviewing car park charges for blue badge holders, following comments about the recent increase in charges, and the Government’s Equality Act.
 
A consultation letter outlining the proposals is being sent to all representative/access groups and town councils in Shropshire.
 
As the consultation starts, there is now an extended grace period for blue badge holders in all Shropshire Council-run car parks, allowing blue badge holders to stay for an hour beyond the expiry time on the ticket purchased.
 
Councillor Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport, said:

“Whilst we are in the consultation on our proposals, we are allowing this extra time to blue badge holders, as we recognise that many users need additional time to carry out activities.  Once we have had feedback on the proposals we will make the formal changes considered necessary.” 

 
Car park users should still note that a ticket must be purchased for the off-street car park used, and display their blue badge, also observing the relevant conditions of use for that car park, as the failure to purchase or correctly display a ticket will still be subject to enforcement action.