Bromley Council’s Blue Badge Parking Charges Spark Opposition, Labelled ‘Cruel’

A petition signed by over 1,400 residents in south-east London urges Bromley Council to reverse its decision to introduce parking charges for Blue Badge holders in council-owned car parks. The council had given its approval to this proposal during a meeting held last month. Sian Pugh, who lives with multiple sclerosis, initiated the petition, describing the council’s action as “cruel” and “discriminatory.” Bromley Council has been contacted for a statement regarding the matter. Ms. Pugh stated that the Blue Badge scheme is vital for her family, including her daughter who suffers from a condition causing chronic pain. She explained that it enables them to park in council-owned spaces without charge, thereby reducing the discomfort linked to walking between various locations. She expressed concern that the “ignorant” proposal would result in her incurring charges every time she parks in various spots along Orpington High Street to reach local amenities. “Anywhere we go, we have to drive,” she said. “We don’t have a choice, able-bodied people have a choice… To me, this is completely discriminatory. It’s discriminating against disabled people who don’t have a choice. It’s cruel.” The Conservative-led authority gave its approval to the plan during a meeting on November 20. This decision came despite criticism from several opposition councillors, who highlighted the absence of a formal consultation or prior assessment. Conservative councillor Keith Onslow deviated from his party’s stance, describing the plan as a “back of a fag packet calculation” and questioning the evidence that the council would generate significant revenue from the charges. However, Nicholas Bennett, the council’s portfolio holder for transport, highways, and road safety, stated at the meeting: “I would point out, we’re talking about people who own and run a car and the average cost of running a car every month is £300. We’re talking about a parking fee which could be between £1.10 and £1.60. People who have Blue Badges have to pay for their petrol, they have to pay for their oil, they have to pay for their servicing, they have to pay for their tyres. For all these things, there is no discount if you have got a Blue Badge.”