Update from the council - they still mean to implement charges....

The council have today announced that they will delay the introduction of these charges whilst a proper safety & accessibility study is conducted. The statement says: - “We have listened to feedback from residents and community groups on the council’s decision to charge for disabled parking. “We understand there have been concerns about the accessibility of the payment machines. To address this we have included additional benefits in the criteria for our permit scheme, including higher rate disability payments, to assist those who have significantly restricted physical mobility.* “We stand by our decision to charge for disabled parking however, in light of residents’ concerns, we will now revisit our equality impact assessment in relation to accessibility aspects, and work with members of the disabled community, to identify any further measures we can take. “While the review is ongoing we will not be enforcing disabled parking charges until any works identified are completed.” * The additional benefits which will be accepted to qualify for a free parking permit include: Personal Independence Payment (higher rate), Attendance Allowance (higher rate) and Disability Living Allowance (higher rate). Other accepted benefits include: Job Seekers Allowance Working Tax Credit Pension Credit Housing Benefit Income Support Council Tax Support Universal Credit Employment and Support Allowance