City of Lincoln Council reviews blue badge parking

The charges were introduced by Lincoln City Council in April 2009

A man with cerebral palsy has won his fight to persuade the City of Lincoln Council to review its decision to charge blue badge holders for parking.

Matt Smith, 29, from Lincoln, had been prepared to take the matter to court.

The council said its original decision was "not flawed" but that it wanted to avoid a costly High Court battle.

Before April 2009, blue badge holders could park for free in off-street car parks. The council said it would raise £100,000 a year by ending free parking.

The authority has agreed to review its decision to charge blue badge holders after calls for more consultation.

'Delighted' at decision

Councillor Marc Jones said: "We have agreed to settle because it is reasonable to do so and we do not want either party to incur any further unnecessary legal costs."

Mr Smith said he was "delighted" with the council's decision.

He said improvements to car parks, in particular ticket machines, were needed to enable those with disabilities to pay for parking in order to access the facilities and services in the city.

A council statement said most commercial operators in the city already charge blue badge holders for car parking, as do some other local authorities.

The Lincoln Disability Forum and City Council Staff Disability Forum were consulted on the issue, and neither group objected to the principle of charging, the council said.