THE introduction of free parking for blue badge holders in Bromsgrove has been welcomed by the town’s Liberal Democrats after years of campaigning on the issue.
This change is one of many alterations to Bromsgrove District Council’s new parking policy which was voted on at a recent meeting on Wednesday, February 21.
Among other changes are the removal of parking charges for quick stays of up to 30 mintues, after 6pm, in council car parks while an increase in average hourly parking costs was announced.
Regular parking charges increased from an average of 80p an hour to £1 after a 13-year price freeze, although the council’s unlimited-parking season tickets were frozen at £80 a quarter for qualifying car parks.
The Lib Dem’s deputy leader and Bromsgrove District councillor, Siobhan Robinson, is very pleased to see the ruling for blue badge holders, making parking ‘fairer and easier to manage’ for those living with disabilities.
She added: “After years of lobbying the Council I am very pleased to see that the ruling group have fully implemented this common sense change.”
Blue Badge holders can already park on double yellow lines for free and following the passing of the Council’s budget, they will be able to park for free in council owned car parks from the start of the 2024/25 financial year.
Councillor Robinson’s comments were echoed by Dr David Nicholl, the Liberal Democrat candidate to be Bromsgrove’s next MP.
Dr Nicholl added: “Blue Badge holders may have more limited travel options than other car users and may also have greater difficulty accessing pay machines or electronic payment systems. The
Liberal Democrats welcome this introduction.”
Current parking charges apply until 7pm in the eight public district council car parks across Bromsgrove town centre.
Those charges, set in April 2011, did not include any free parking. Outside of the new free parking, the up to 25% increase in regular charges until the earlier time of 6pm compares to a 38.8% increase in the Consumer Price Index in that time.
There will now be a formal process to amend the relevant parking orders including a consultation period before the changes can come into effect.
